USC reorganized computing administratively in early 1984. The university's financial accounting system was developed to provide better information to central administration, deans, and directors. USC is currently negotiating to install a digital telephone switch to handle voice and data communications on campus. (MLW)

Discusses two major categories of problems relating to literature access in developing and peripheral countries--inability to access/use secondary services and inability to obtain relevant primary literature in timely and cost-efficient fashion. Two approaches for solutions involving regional and subregional networks are suggested. Eight sources…

Describes and illustrates the main characteristics and methods of data collection and analysis used in compiling the National Register of Current Research, a major element of the Unesco pilot project initiated in the Sudan for the creation of an information service on research in progress. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Reports views of six professionals--a psychologist, an educator, an administrative assistant at a medical college, a chemist, and a labor lawyer--who conduct their own online searching. The uses of microcomputers and online databases, costs, time involved, information needs, and satisfaction with the accuracy of search results are discussed. (EJS)

It will be easier for financial aid offices to have automated interfaces with federal systems than to maintain manual, paper-based exchanges. Guidance on how to structure a planning process that will take advantage of this new environment are provided. Institutional decisions will depend on past and current practice. (MLW)

In July 1984, alumni and development officials and computer specialists at the University of Chicago celebrated the result of a 5-year partnership that set up a computer system to coordinate five alumni and development offices. Features of the new system are described. (MLW)

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

Focuses on the multiple design issues involved in creating successful menu selection systems: semantic organization, response time, display rates, shortcuts for frequent users, titles, phrasing of menu items, graphic layout, and selection mechanisms. Pop-up and embedded menus, experimental results, and design guidelines are also covered.…

Discusses ways in which developments in interactive electronic technologies present public sector institutions, particularly academic libraries, with set of choices and dilemmas that will be as crucial in results as difficult in resolution. Inevitability of interactive electronics, interactive television, interactive technologies in library, and…

This second installment covers online sources to be used for searching current events questions on "who" (identification or background of a particular name), "where" (geographic areas, statistical databases), and "what" (international trade, foreign aid, international relations, crime, and disasters). A list of 139…

The results of a follow-up evaluation of a decision support system installed 5 years ago at Guilford College are reported. Changes in the system, resulting procedures, and the organization are described. (Author/MLW)

Presents remarks of the Secretary of State and State Librarian of Illinois concerning the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET) which was created in 1965. Effective use of developing technology (online catalogs, interlibrary loan, automated circulation systems, collection development), anticipating changing needs of library users, and…

Outlines design requirements for situation description, policy specifications, and decision consequences feedback systems of type that could be used to help manage Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolios for large organizations. Several systems are described, and three additional systems design characteristics are…

Briefly reviews history of library automation before discussing factors that libraries should consider before choosing to go online (collection size, machine-readable database, computer equipment, costs), and features of online catalogs (database organization, search features, authority files, display options). Information about selected online…

As part of a long-range information systems planning effort, an assessment of the impact of technology on the organization was developed. Trends are identified and the anticipated impact on the University of Miami is discussed. (Author/MLW)