Traces the development of five information systems for exchanging information on instructional materials within the educational communities of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and examines how these information providers are responding to the challenges posed by changes deriving from national educational reform efforts.…

Discusses the evolving Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS) and the need for librarians and information scientists to become part of the user-feedback process to make the GCDIS effective, both now and in the future when public access through the Internet will be possible. (LRW)

In an interview, Dorothy A. Durkin, a successful marketing specialist at a major university's school of continuing education, discusses her approach to marketing, specific strategies, and techniques for using and storing information. She offers five guiding principles for reaching prospects personally and persuasively. (MSE)

Discussion of federal information policy focuses on a study that was conducted to identify federal information/locator systems, i.e., databases that identify information resources. The development of a database containing information on the systems is described, and the concept of a governmentwide information inventory/locator system (GIILS) is…

Cooperative education in an underused program despite demonstrated benefits for the integration of educational and career goals. Computerized program management can streamline operations and increase its use. (SK)

Environmental problems in Czechoslovakia are outlined, including information about existing organizational and legal structures in the country. Described is the proposed Integrated Information System for the Environment, which is designed to provide flexible and enhanced access to environmental information needed for decision making. (six…

Discusses participatory strategic planning and describes the use of IBM's Application Transfer Study process at Jacksonville State University to develop a master plan for a campuswide information system. Planning in academe is discussed, and the use of questionnaires and interviews for needs assessment is described. (three references) (LRW)

An award-winning administrator of a college computer system discusses the role of networking and teamwork in successful information management, drawing on experiences during recent political upheavals in eastern Europe for illustration. Other success factors stressed include having and sharing a dream and developing future leaders. (MSE)

Discusses human-computer interfaces in information seeking that focus on end users, and provides an overview of articles in this section that (1) provide librarians and information specialists with guidelines for selecting information-seeking systems; (2) provide producers of information systems with directions for production or research; and (3)…

In a role-playing approach to an information systems analysis and design course, students are familiarized with the needs of designers, decision makers, and system users by assuming these roles. The approach increases awareness of process, is flexible, and exposes students to the team approach. (SK)

Discusses system modeling and specification as it relates to object-based information systems development and software development. An automated system model based on the objects in the initial requirements document is described, the requirements document translator is explained, and a sample application of the technique is provided. (12…

From a sample of 425 employees, 48 percent used the computer-based Employee Development Planning System over 6 months. A follow-up survey found that (1) system users were significantly more involved in career planning activities; (2) usefulness of the program enabled employees to match themselves with career opportunities; and (3) age/career stage…

An information-based rather than a knowledge-based approach to evaluation of social development programs has two advantages: (1) relative objectivity and (2) equity. Increasingly equitable flows of information are one indicator of social development. (SK)

Outcomes of the National Commission on Nursing Implementation Project were (1) a study of cost-effective nursing delivery systems; (2) development of nursing information systems; (3) "Nursing's Vital Signs," which documented information collected; (4) the National Nursing Image Campaign; and (5) initiatives to redesign nursing education,…

Discusses digital imaging technology and examines document database conversion considerations. Two types of document imaging systems are described: (1) a work in process system, and (2) a storage and retrieval system. Conversion methodology is outlined, and a document conversion scenario is presented as a practical guide to conversion. (LRW)