Examines the structure and components of information storage and retrieval systems and information filtering systems. Identifies 13 components as representations of data objects (copies, excerpts, descriptions, abstractions, and identifying references) and functions that operate on them. Reduces the functional components to transformation and…

Application of a knowledge and information systems perspective shows how agricultural innovation can be enhanced through networking. In the Netherlands, a number of alternative systems of inquiry and learning are infused with this perspective: participatory technology development, participatory rural appraisal, soft systems methodology, and rapid…

Examines four working steps from an empirical model where an expert abstractor discovers what a paper is about and drafts a topic sentence; a simulation system is developed using this model. Discusses knowledge processing activities of professional summarizing. Results indicate that a small simulation model of professional summarizing is feasible.…

Introduces characteristics of the sublanguage found in diagnostic messages about automotive equipment failures and discusses a system for minimizing jargon. Proposes using general knowledge sources and evaluates levels of communication accuracy, robustness and efficiency. (AEF)

Discussion of information system design proposes the artifact as theory perspective and suggests that information system design is best tackled by user-centered theories and methods. Topics include the software development process, human-computer interaction, and implications for information science. (LRW)

Presents job-hunting options and career opportunities available by searching the Internet, as well as tips for consulting others in a field of interest through a listserv or usenet news group. A collection of Internet addresses providing access to information on job search strategies or job availability is provided. (JPS)

Contains 16 articles that discuss activities relating to global change, including world data centers; the Global Change Master Directory, the Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS) gopher, Project Earthlink, Government Information Locator Service, Global Land Information System, National Resources Inventory, Earth System Science…

Discusses problems facing naive users of interactive information systems (IIS) that have been identified through classroom research. Impediments to successful use of IIS are students' inability to make use of non-text-based information sources and difficulty choosing appropriate search strategies. Mental models developed by users may provide clues…

Describes a study of U.S. Air Force design professionals that examined aspects of collaboration in multidisciplinary design teams and identified design experts' information needs that could be supported by information technology. Highlights include concurrent engineering, electronically networked communication, internal process in information…

Describes a series of exploratory experiments that investigated information professionals' and geographers' use of geographic materials. Mental models used in the manipulation of geographic data are discussed; the improvement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is addressed; and Spotlight, a new interactive tool for exploring maps, is…

Sixty-three undergraduates who used both the System of Interactive Guidance and Information and SIGI PLUS rated them comparably in terms of the dimensions of analysis, synthesis of options, and general helpfulness. Ratings were not influenced by career choice, vocational education, information needs, or year in school. Thirty-nine preferred SIGI…

Describes how a management information system (MIS) at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) was adapted to ensure adequate training to accompany the development of computer applications. Highlights include semantic differences; user needs; time and budget constraints; and problems between users and programmers, including examples.…

Describes the design and development of EmbARK, a computer application designed to handle art collections management for use by museums, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals, which links together various facets of managing objects in an easy-to-use client server application. Topics discussed include digital imaging; museum…

Describes the use of loglinear statistical models in the field of informetrics, especially for the analysis of information systems. A detailed example is given of developing a model based on loglinear analysis to determine book acquisition patterns in libraries, including mathematical considerations and algorithms. (19 references) (LRW)

Describes the academic unit for which the Integrated Information Center (IIC) was originally developed--the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs of the University of Minnesota--and the information environment within which the IIC operates, including the university libraries, academic computing services and systems, and administrative…