Gives highlights of papers presented at the first international meeting of individuals and organizations concerned with online information services. The conference, sponsored by "Online Review," was held in London, England December 13-15, 1977. (JPF)

This is the first update of the bibliography on online information retrieval that was published as a supplement to Vol. 1 of this journal. Entries are divided into seven sections; within each section, they are listed alphabetically by author. Permuted titled (KWIC) and author indexes are included. (Author/JPF)

As users become aware of the complexities of information handling, there is greater acceptance of fees for online searching. This results in accelerated demands upon supportive services, the cost of maintaining services increases, and libraries must charge fees to minimize these costs. The trend toward personalized services for individual users…

The DIALIB project involved an experiment in providing on-line services in four public libraries. Based on three years of experience, in which services were offered both in a free and fee-based environment, nine requirements for online searching are delineated, and guidelines formulated for public libraries contemplating such services. (Author/JPF)

Examines reasons for the failure to bring about massive and direct transfers of advanced technology to developing countries. Certain necessary conditions for success require that the project be seen as (1) relevant to the client country (2) consistent with local attitudes, practices and traditions (3) capable of producting some visible and useful…

Three types of forms are provided for information specialists and users of online systems: (1) search request form developed for the type of user who is unfamiliar with the online search process; (2) data base evaluation form for the user to evaluate search results; and (3) data base statistics form for recordkeeping and management information.…

A study evaluated the relevance of the journal collection at the National Enforcement Investigation Center based on journals retrieved from online SDI searches. Use of the method to select the most relevant journals for a given user group are discussed. (KP)

Demonstrates the use of a directed graph model as a tool for finding desirable minimum vocabularies to be used in indexing and information retrieval. The basic algorithm is outlined, possible enhancements to the model are discussed, and further research questions are suggested. (Author/CLB)

A founder trustee of OCLC recounts the steps toward automation of library catalogs encountered during his career, from the use of punched cards in a circulation system to the implementation of online union catalogs. (CLB)

Demonstrates that hierarchical naming schemes--one with a single namespace and fixed root spread over all machines in a distributed system, and a second with total namespace composed of some aggregation of individual namespaces of each component system's filestores--can coexist in distributed computer systems. Combined system's design is…

Discusses the potential of recent work in artificial intelligence, especially expert systems, for the development of more effective information retrieval systems. Highlights include the role of an expert bibliographic retrieval system and a prototype expert retrieval system, PROBIB-2, that uses MicroProlog to provide deductive reasoning…

Discuses future trends in the role of the secretary. Suggests that secretaries will, in the next decade, become information managers. Recommends strategies that secretaries can implement to be ready for change. (CH)

Discusses self-management of professional development activities. Defines professional development, discusses information resources available to the professional, and gives suggestions for planning professional development activities. (CH)

Six experiments examined the problems third graders, sixth graders, and college students had in gaining access to episodic information while retrieving information from memory. Results suggested that conceptual access problems vary with grade and that elaboration of the representation of an episode facilitates access. (Author/SKC)

Describes significant attributes of expert systems, contrasts them to conventional computer systems, and provides an overview of the R1 expert system used by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) to put together operational systems that meet customers' requirements. Document handling, particularly pictures and images in documents, is also briefly…