Description of database management systems for microcomputers highlights system features and factors to consider in microcomputer system selection. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper. A glossary of terms and 32-item bibliography are…

The author covers sources six sources of information on careers: (1) state career information systems, (2) federal and state publications, (3) the popular press, (4) private sector publications, (5) the community, and (6) commercial career resources. (CH)

The first of two articles describes the inadequacies of existing decision support systems in meeting the needs of college administrators and examines the potential use of strategic information systems in higher education. The second describes the titles, responsibilities and backgrounds of chief information officers on college campuses. (CLB)

Discusses the need for a method to measure computer user abilities, and presents an instrument that identifies individuals' technical, modeling, and applications skills. An evaluation of the instrument in terms of validity and reliability is reported, and applications in user education research are suggested. (12 references) (CLB)

Two articles explore the category of "sensitive but unclassified" information that is being used by the federal government. The policy directive which defined this category and its application by government departments are described, and concerns about freedom of information are discussed. (CLB)

Outlines the development of a computerized purchase requisition system for schools that is more efficient, cost effective, and dependable than a manual purchasing system. Includes two tables, one a model form for entering purchase orders, the other a purchase order detail form. (MD)

A pilot test study of an expert systems approach to university enrollment management, specifically admissions decisions, was conducted at Northeastern University. Other potential uses for expert systems in enrollment management are suggested. (Author/MLW)

The Monitoring and Tracking Clients and Helpers (MATCH) system assesses the skills and needs of deaf-blind individuals completing educational programs and compares them with training opportunities of service agencies. The information is used to determine the most appropriate adult placement and to determine needed areas unmet by existing programs.…

Man-machine interface, the concept of a computer "query," a review of database technology, and a description of the use of query languages at Brigham Young University are discussed. The pros and cons of end-user use of database query languages are explored. (Author/MLW)

The computing and information services (CIS) organization includes administrative computing, academic computing, and networking and has three divisions: computing services, development services, and information services. Other computing activities include Health Sciences, Humanities Computing Center, and Department of Computer Science and Systems.…

A 10-month strategic planning study for the California State University 19-Campus system's administrative information management systems is discussed. The Administrative Information Management Systems Project (AIMS) addressed student and curriculum management, financial aid, financial management, human resources, and faciliites management. (MLW)

Faced with an increasing need for data by the West Liberty State College administration and the West Virginia Board of Regents, an in-house system was designed that provides online update/inquiry to an integrated, nonredundant collection of data files via user-friendly menus. (Author/MLW)

Provides overview of design requirements for transparent information retrieval (implies that user sees through complexity of retrieval activities sequence). Highlights include need for transparent systems; history of transparent retrieval research; information retrieval functions (automated converters, routers, selectors, evaluators/analyzers);…

Survey of recent developments in microcomputer technology, mass-storage technology, and telecommunications technology shows how these new technologies are driving the development of a new generation of information systems. Major changes in the information industry precipitated by arrival of new information systems and telecommunication…

Presents a product selection chart for 12 currently available gateways or front-end packages suitable for online searching. Information provided for each package includes producer, cost, type, location, information accessed, equipment required, operating system, and search capabilities. A 94-item bibliography to published literature on these…