Discusses paragraph qualification, a search strategy used to retrieve information from computerized databases. Positive and negative paragraph qualification, after-the-fact qualification, multifile searching, and free text searching are described, using examples from the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Search System. (EJS)

Reports on educational information services developed by the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Education Service Group (ESG): School Practices Information Network (SPIN) and School Practices Information File (SPIF). Background and history of the services, a description of each service, and illustrative material are provided. (EJS)

Drawing on the experiences of several countries, the author describes satellite technology, discusses the feasibility of satellite use in traditional educational institutions, and analyzes the role of satellites in social development. (SK)

Proposes that the major criteria for handling compound words should rest upon their orthography (physical form), lexicography (dictionary definition), and semantics, with special attention given to possible homographs. BS 5723 is criticized for failing to pay sufficient attention to the requirements of mechanized systems. Thirty-one references are…

Describes the meaning of the term multimedia database and presents a model of its potential role in aiding message creation for the purposes of communicating educational material using many parallel channels. Some of the problems associated with the implementation of such systems are outlined. Seventeen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Analyzes recent developments in the problem of processing queries expressed as Boolean expressions, shows that the concept of threshold values resolves the problems inherent with relevance weights, and explores possible evaluation mechanisms for document retrieval based on fuzzy set theory. Sixteen references are listed. (FM)

Describes an online library catalog in which bibliographic references have been compiled by simply transcribing the descriptive data found on the title page and elsewhere on the documents, and discusses the wider implications of the use of natural language descriptions without modifications. Eleven references are listed. (FM)

The 14 staff members of the University of Vermont's Academic Computing Center are responsible for operating computers used by more than 3,000 undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members. This article describes the equipment presently in use and the plans for a future computer network. (Author/MLF)

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)

Covers relevant biographical sources for diplomatic, foreign, and American government personnel, including online services, monographs, back files, the card catalog, State Department and CIA publications, other government documents, and trade publications. Lists of CIA biographical directories and U.S. government agency press offices are appended.…

Details are given of the Michigan Terminal System (MTS), an electronic bulletin board viewed to go well beyond the capabilities of the typical micro-based community bulletin board system. Use of the CONFER program allows for computer conferencing. (MP)

Discusses how historians can use computer searches to obtain bibliographic information. Historical databases which allow online searches are described. Sample searches are used to illustrate the characteristics of and processes involved in computer searching. (AM)

Describes the use of IBM's Storage and Information Retrieval System (STAIRS) in the development of an online catalog for the Business and Technical Library of the Cummins Engine Company. The functions, advantages, and disadvantages of the system are outlined. A reference list and three sample searches are attached. (JL)

Describes the replication agreements between WLN and replicating institutions such as the National Library of Australia and the University of Illinois whereby use of WLN software is permitted on the basis of reciprocity of bibliographic information by the contracting parties. (RAA)

Describes the methodology and results of a study comparing the overlap of Enviroline, Pollution, and the Environmental Periodicals Bibliography files through searches on acid rain, asbestos and water, diesel, glass recycling, Lake Erie, Concorde, reverse osmosis wastewater treatment cost, and Calspan. Nine tables are provided. (RBF)