Discusses the structure of classical computer-based information systems, recent advances in both computer hardware and software, and the evolution of information utilities. (MLH)

Discord sometimes arises between training and information system departments over who should be in charge of training users to operate the necessary hardware and software to do their jobs. The lack of cooperation between the two departments is not in the best interest of employees or the organization. (JOW)

Responses from 21 of 100 large British organizations indicated that 7 did not use computers for career development. Among the others, interest is growing and marked by diversity of methods. Advantages were easy administration, information dissemination, and employee ownership. Cited disadvantages were access, confidentiality, and accuracy. (SK)

Considers search histories and their role in human information seeking and identifies potential application areas for history information to enhance information-seeking user interfaces. Reports results related to supporting mental model development and task integration, based on a study of legal information seeking. (LRW)

Examined the effects of different text typologies on older users' (age 57-67) performance in hypertext perusal. Compared two text typologies, hierarchical and referential, that were constructed with HTML, and discusses hypertext navigation problems with older users related to human spatial orientation. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the introduction of management information systems (MISs) into schools. The loosely coupled (LC) nature of schools is compared with tightly coupled (TC) systems, including administrative and instructional functions; school "compucation" (a combination of computer and communication) is described; and three levels of school…

Defines inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) and examines their characteristics. The nature of their information systems (publications, internal documents, archival records, library information centers, and bibliographic information networks) are discussed. Problems with acquiring information from IGOs and sources for accessing publications are…

If new technologies are to be reliable, easy to learn, and adaptable to changes in the health care environment, it is essential for the nursing profession to be actively involved in their development. (JOW)

Discusses data modeling techniques for the design of information systems and presents the idea of defining a kernel for object role modeling (ORM) techniques upon which different drawing styles can be based. Highlights include syntactical and semantic aspects of the ORM kernel; entity relationships; and the NIAM modeling technique. (50 references)…

Proposes and explains a new mechanism for controlling the access requests in information protection systems that is based on Newton's interpolating polynomial. Access control matrices are discussed; single-key-lock systems are described; relevant algorithms are explained; and an example of the new mechanism is included. (10 references) (LRW)

Describes the concept of the Memex, an imaginary information retrieval machine proposed by Vannevar Bush in 1945. The technological background of the Memex and of other visions of that period are examined with special reference to Emanuel Goldberg, inventor of a microfilm selector using a photoelectric cell. Bush's work is reassessed in this…

Discusses problems of matching personal names in information systems and factors influencing design of personal name matching algorithms. Several examples of name matching systems in the fields of art history, bibliography, commerce, genealogy, and law enforcement used for the purposes of authority control, information retrieval, and duplicate…

Including projects in an information systems course provides a valuable experience for the students. The drawbacks (such as instructor time and potential liability) require that the instructor carefully consider the student project method. (Author/JOW)

Describes infomapping, or the mapping of corporate information assets, as a method to manage information as an organizational resource. Attributes of Information Resource Entities (IREs), which are profiled in an information map, are described; management benefits are discussed; and the use of InfoMapper, a software tool for information mapping,…

Discussion of providing access to needed information focuses on five historical schemes that represent speculative approaches to solving the problem of restructuring and mobilizing the content of documents. The collection, analysis, and restructuring of information already available in some other form and the need for an information professional…