Presents a seven-step methodology for utilizing integrity constraint knowledge from heterogeneous databases. Describes generating a set of integrity constraints applicable at the integrated level from constraints specified on local databases. Introduces the concept of constraint-based relationships between objects in heterogeneous databases;…

Discussion of user-design as a theoretical process for creating training, software, and computer systems focuses on a case study that describes user-design methodology in home health care through the context of diffusing a new laptop patient-record-keeping system with home nurses. Research needs and implications for the design process are…

Suggests that the principles underlying the procedure used by doctors to diagnose a patient's disease are useful in the design of intelligent information-retrieval systems because the task of the doctor is conceptually similar to the computer or human intermediary's task in information retrieval: to draw out the user's query/information need.…

Describes the design and construction of Resume Automatique a Fragments Indicateurs (RAFI), a system of automatic text summary which sums up scientific and technical texts. The RAFI system transforms a long source text into several versions of more condensed texts, using discourse analysis, to make searching easier; it could be adapted to the…

Describes interconnection methods, speed, and comparative equipment costs of networking starter kits. These kits supply network-connection devices that plug into or connect to each computer that is part of a network; they may also provide interconnection cables and installation software needed to set up a network. Reviews 20 kits that use a…

Presents issues raised in designing a software interface as a teaching aid for a preschool user group. Addresses issues such as message variance caused by disappearance of information when media access varied by user, and finding commonalities across a user base. (PA)

Investigates engineers' information-seeking practices based on case studies in two organizations. Results show engineers search for documents to find people, search for people to get documents, and interact socially to get information without engaging in explicit searches. Discusses the design task and how computer systems could support searches…

Describes the architecture of an anthropocentric Biomedical Information Management System prototype that is based on a network of computational components, or agents, that expert biomedical users can define, use, and refine to serve their own communication and documentation habits and needs. The innovation of the proposal, the Participatory Design…

Using her own Web site as an example, the author discusses issues and tasks associated with creating and maintaining a professional Web site, within the context of a strategic planning approach. The stages of the process are outlined, including identification of user needs; selection and evaluation of information; organization of information;…

Reviews published findings from empirical studies of hypermedia learning and cognitive styles and classifies them into five themes: nonlinear learning, learner control, navigation in hyperspace, matching and mismatching, and learning effectiveness. Presents a learning model and discusses implications for the design of hypermedia learning systems.…

The Google search engine is growing in popularity and usually shines in performance ratings. This article summarizes findings from a technical paper written by Google's developers in 1998 before anyone had seen Google. Suggests that a careful reader of the paper will be rewarded with a deeper appreciation of the designers' ideas and…

Examines the interlibrary loan process used by libraries in Singapore and proposes that the existing paper-based manual system be replaced by a Web-based system. Presents an example of such a system that has been successfully designed and implemented at the Nanyang Technological University. (Author/LRW)

Examines automated self-service checkout and return systems in libraries in the United Kingdom based on the literature and on research conducted by Loughborough University. Describes the main systems available and discusses objectives, costs, security, location of equipment, functionality and system design, and effects on users and staff.…

Discusses business use of the Web and related search engine design issues as well as research on general and academic links before reporting on a survey of the links published by a collection of business Web sites. Results indicate around 66% of Web sites do carry external links, most of which are targeted at a specific purpose, but about 17%…

This study consists of two experiments. Pitch, volume, and tempo in auditory-haptic geographic information systems were compared in terms of effectiveness for multimodal interface; volume was determined to be better. Auditory display with volume and haptic display with vibration were compared and the results showed that, in more complex geographic…