Consulting engineering firms constantly are striving to improve their efficiency and increase their productivity. The greatest increases in design productivity can be achieved by more effective project and design management, particularly in the public sector. (Author/MLF)

The author reports findings indicating that information resources management has not penetrated operations at the federal level successfully. Recommendations for practice include (1) changing the oversight focus to program support and long-term capacity, (2) developing a governance base, (3) providing incentives, and (4) revisiting the Paperwork…

Vendors implementing Standard Network Interconnection (SNI) protocols for computer to computer communications can now test their implementation against the Linked Systems Project/SNI Test Facility developed by Library of Congress. The facility is intended to verify correct functioning of SNI protocols for Open System Interconnection (OSI) layers.…

The author examines the impact of "high-tech" industries on labor markets, the division of labor and the organization of work, and the policy options open to societies for dealing with the effects. (CT)

The adaptation of a centralized budget system to relate microcomputers to a mainframe and to distribute data to departmental users for their micros is described. (Author/MLW)

Identifies 14 barriers that delay or impede information flow to libraries and users: publishing delay, inferior quality of information, information congestion, information dispersal, poor use of nonprint, inconsistent publication standards, terminology, ownership, suspected existence of information barriers, searching strategy, foreign language,…

Discusses political questions raised by the existence and growth potential of the online retrieval industry because it is privately owned and profit oriented. The user fee debate, information ownership, danger of manipulation, libraries as marketers, library action, and a library database consortium are highlighted. Seventeen references are cited.…

Introduces three articles that identify various types of database management programs, discuss their basic features and some typical applications and present a table of the leading programs available; profile several companies that are utilizing database management systems; and illustrate several unusual home applications for hobbyists. (MBR)

Omni House, describes how they successfully computerize their manual information system with the help of a full-service vendor. Benefits of an in-house microcomputer and the help that the right vendor can provide are discussed. Suggestions for duplicating their successful experience to other agencies are presented. (Author/ABB)

The article describes methods used at Gallaudet College to manage information needs regarding personnel, budgets, project timelines, and facilities, using both the mainframe computer and microcomputers. Considerations in the development and maintenance of databases and in the decision to use a mainframe or microcomputers to maintain records are…

Information activities carried out by both National Clearinghouse for Alcohol Information (NCALI) and Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies (RCAS) are described, highlighting establishment of a cooperative information-sharing arrangement between these two centers, its subsequent discontinuation due to federal budget cuts, and current prospects for…

The paper describes how microcomputers can be used to manage the records of students enrolled in special education personnel preparation programs. A rationale for the use of database management systems is provided along with an example of the use of one such system. (Author)

Clemson University has developed an on-campus videotex system that was used in a one-way bulletin board application but is being expanded to provide two-way communications. A description of videotex and how it has been and will be used at Clemson is provided. (Author/MLW)

The article describes predictions for the information society, implications for blind and visually impaired people, and an agenda of needed activities to be undertaken for the purpose of ensuring the highest level of equality in employment, education, and daily living at the dawning of the 21st century. (Author/CL)

Reports on study analyzing 13 abstracting and indexing (A&I) operations in order to ascertain those steps in specific processes that added value (i.e., were of benefit to user in making choices from information displayed). The user-driven/value-added model and a summary of value-added processes in A&I services are highlighted. (11…