Description of "Decision-Analyst," microcomputer software tool designed to analyze complex decisions involving many alternatives, highlights step-by-step approach, documentation, microcomputer requirements, and purchasing information. Two microcomputer users' groups (Apple Computer, Microcomputer Users Group for Libraries in North…

Presents questions and answers from information networking panel discussion involving symposium speakers Barbara Markuson (Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority), Frank Grisham (Southeastern Library Network), Laima Mockus (New England Library Information Network), Richard McCoy (Research Libraries Group), Rowland Brown (OCLC), and Toni…

Describes Earth Resources Observation System online database, which provides access to computerized images of Earth obtained via satellite. Highlights include retrieval system and commands, types of images, search strategies, other online functions, and interpretation of accessions. Satellite information, sources and samples of accessions, and…

This article deals with problem created by numerous schemes in use for transliteration of Cyrillic alphabet when attempting to obtain retrieval of Russian author's works in scientific databases available through Dialog, Bibliographic Retrieval Services, and System Development Corporation. Highlights include basic strategy and complications of…

Suggestions for the preparation and use of database guide sheets (idiot sheets) highlights when to make an idiot sheet; steps in preparation (define suitable format, gather pertinent information); production; adding notations to vendor-supplied guide sheets; and points to remember. Examples of DIALOG and homemade guide sheets are included. (EJS)

A general purpose authoring system for a microcomputer-controlled videodisc program was developed and field-tested with severely mentally retarded students. The system was found to be easily learned and to hold potential for assessment, diagnosis, prescription, and instruction of handicapped students. (CL)

This study explored the effectiveness of using Blackboard, an online software program, to enhance a graduate course in school counseling. Research questions were: (1) does Blackboard enhancement facilitate student learning? and (2) is there a difference in student response to Blackboard by class site (off-campus v. on-campus). Participants were 32…

This document presents the text of Public Law 106-229, the "Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act." The act states that, with respect to any transaction in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce: a signature, contract, or other record relating to such transaction may not be denied legal effect, validity, or…

The majority of this publication is comprised of 13 feature articles covering a wide range of topics in the areas of educational technology and library and information sciences. Also offered are related abstracts found in the ERIC Database and the latest news at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology, including the publication of…

This investigation shows that search keys derived from personal author names possess a sufficient degree of distinctness to be employed in an efficient computerized interactive index to a file of MARC II catalog records having 167,745 personal author entries. (8 references) (Author)

A little understood aspect of implementing on-line software is the problem of effective monitoring. Northwestern University has developed techniques to monitor an on-line information retrieval system, by using that system both to monitor itself and to process the data collected. The Remote Information Query System is a batch and on-line…

The social sciences require multiple methods of analysis of information from complex data bases. Data bases have been constructed which contain hierarchical, spatial, and temporal associations among information elements. To provide effective processing capability an integrated approach was taken to facilitate storage and retrieval, statistical…

Interactive systems must be designed to furnish error information to the user and must be able to accept a modification to the input and continue to cycle until convergence on the desired output is reached. (10 references) (Author)

Discusses use of communications software packages as a means of linking a microcomputer with other computers, endowing it with characteristics of a terminal, and still preserving many personal computer features. Required features, additional features, and books and guidebooks are noted. (EJS)