As used in this handbook, microform retrieval equipment is defined as any device that is used to locate, enlarge, and display microform images or that produces enlarged hard copy from the images. Only equipment widely available in the United States has been included. The first chapter provides information about the most widely and generally used…

A model of a generalized information storage and retrieval system is proposed. The model consists of six subsystems (or blocks): logical processor, selector, descriptor, file, locator, document file, and analysis block. These subsystems function in a partial environment defined by the user and data blocks. Proceeding from a verbal description, a…

A retrieval system is considered in which document descriptions are stored and accessed in groups called clusters. All items in a cluster meet common similarity criteria and are represented by a composite entity called a profile. In large collections, profiles themselves are clustered and additional levels of profiles are generated. This entire…

Argues against sanctioning the removal of public documents from public control since completeness is a fundamental principle of the archival profession, but suggests that the National Archives would be disinclined to seek the return of alienated records that were publicly accessible and professionally preserved. (Author/JD)

Uses collection and storage of data in an environmental chemicals data bank to develop an exchange format of hierarchical tree structure between network partners. Rules identify and process the nodes in the tree in such a way that information is neither lost nor degraded upon transfer between network partners. (CWM)

Improved control of school custodial supplies can pay dividends. (Author)

The paper describes a computerized system designed to provide a quick and economical method of in-depth access to individual publications. It is currently operating in a network configuration in Ontario and Quebec, and independently in other Canadian and United States libraries. (Author/JAB)

Addresses legal and professional responsibilities of mental health counselors to maintain adequate and timely client records. Discusses importance of documentation and recordkeeping, use of client records in court, characteristics of adequate records, recording content of sessions, potentially damaging records, and correcting and storing records.…

Presents a model and experimental results of a new one-phase technique for compression text files that is a modification of the Ziv and Lempel compression scheme. The description includes the use of a subword dictionary that is periodically reorganized based on information theory and structural linguistics principles. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

Proposes a solution to the problem of loading repetitive bibliographic information in a microcomputer-based relational database management system. The alternative design described is based on a representational redundancy design and normalization theory. (12 references) (Author/CLB)

Addresses advantages and disadvantages of write-once read-many (WORM) optical disks and other software considerations resulting from the write-once nature of WORM media to provide guidelines for determining whether this technology is appropriate for an application. Three brief case studies describe WORM software development efforts. (MES)

Discussion of issues surrounding the microcomputer's capability to download online search results covers types of downloading; scope of downloading; legal issues (copyright and database contract provisions and policies); and effects of downloading (widespread pricing changes, and provision of database subsets by database producers). (MBR)

Focusing on micrographics, this article discusses the role of the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) in the development and sponsorship of standards applicable to libraries. Standards relating to microformats, assessment of microform quality, and truly "archival" conditions are examined. A list of current AIIM…

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

A rationale for understanding computer operations is given. An overview of microcomputer technology, including an introduction to computer software, hardware, input and output devices, central processing unit, primary and secondary memory, and videodisk interactive systems is presented. (Author/BS)