Description of NOMAD, a database management system with flexibility and "friendly" design in use at the Bank of America library, focuses on costs, objectives, database structure, access, and its use to create an automated book catalog and spending reports. Six references are included. (EJS)

Presents overview of developments in telecommunications, noting their effects on the role of the library as information center. Television growth, videodisc technology, library uses for interactive videodisc (storage and display of mixed media, programed instruction, storage of visual materials, and text), videotex, and teletext are highlighted.…

Brief discussion of state-of-the-art of modeling complex information systems distinguishes between macrolevel and microlevel modeling of such systems. Network layout and hierarchical system models, simulation, information acquisition and dissemination, databases and information storage, and operating systems are described and assessed. Thirty-four…

Microcomputer programing languages BASIC, Pascal, and PL/1 are characterized and contrasted in terms of suitability for library and textual processing needs. Issues pertaining to choice of programing languages for library microcomputing are discussed. Fifty-one references and tables rating languages on basis of number of string functions and…

Discusses the importance of machine-readable data files (MRDF) in social sciences reference exchange and provides examples of their use in typical library settings. Access to and available MRDF are described. Nine references are included. (EJS)

Describes an attempt to supplement an advertising curriculum with two marketing and media software suppliers. (HOD)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Describes an APL implementation of a relational database system suitable for use in a teaching environment in which database development and database administration are studied, and discusses the functions of the user and the database administrator. An appendix illustrating system operation and an eight-item reference list are attached. (Author/JL)

Describes a videodisc-based information display system in which a computer terminal is used to search the online PATSEARCH database from a remote host with local microcomputer control to select and display drawings from the retrieved records. System features and system components are discussed and criteria for system evaluation are presented.…

Examines the value premises underlying the "information versus instruction" debate in reference librarianship in light of the technological design issues now facing librarianship. Economic and technological developments that may affect the future of reference services are described. A 32-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Evaluates overlapping coverage of 21 scientific databases used in 10 online pesticide searches in an attempt to identify minimum number of databases needed to generate 90 percent of unique, relevant citations for given search. Comparison of searches combined under given pesticide usage (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) is discussed. Nine…

Explanation of enhancements of a new version of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--originally called BALLOTS-- focuses on reference applications of what is primarily a technical processing system, e.g., complementing searches, verification, union catalog, and interlibrary loan. Illustrative examples are provided. (EJS)

Discusses information retrieval techniques involving both Boolean retrieval schemes and a weighting mechanism to produce ranked search output and points out theoretical ambiguities and inconsistencies demonstrated by recent research. An alternative search approach is outlined and analyzed and a more rigorous methodology is suggested. Eleven…

Discusses intelligent front-end processors designed to impose uniform standards on multiple databases and assist searchers, including motivation for development, prototypes from research community, commercial systems using microcomputers, capabilities and problems encountered in developing Franklin Institute's Online Database Search Assistance…

A simulation model is developed to reflect characteristics of a typical information retrieval system on three specific microcomputer configurations using Cromemco System 3, Apple II, and Telima 1000. Systems are compared in terms of installation costs, think time, multiprogramming level, response time, and main storage utilization. Three…