A discussion of one of the main activities of the DISISS (Design of Information Systems in the Social Sciences) project is presented in this working paper. A comprehensive Check List of Social Science Serials (CLOSSS) is being prepared as a basis for bibliometric studies of the primary and secondary literature of the social sciences. The CLOSSS…

The Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO) received a grant from the United States Office of Education to develop and demonstrate a statistical data base system for library decision makers. The first quarter was devoted to obtaining background information, scheduling, organization, planning, and design. Achievements included…

The article lists and discusses elements in the development and implementation of an employee information system, such as planning and design, types of data required, selecting software, and documentation. (MF)

An international study team was appointed by UNESCO to assess the impact of the International Information System for the Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGRIS) on the worldwide dissemination and availability of agricultural information. Methods used, findings, and recommendations of the study team are presented. (Author/MBR)

Uses collection and storage of data in an environmental chemicals data bank to develop an exchange format of hierarchical tree structure between network partners. Rules identify and process the nodes in the tree in such a way that information is neither lost nor degraded upon transfer between network partners. (CWM)

Describes a course which provides students with hands-on experience at a computer terminal, and includes segments on how to conduct a reference interview using counseling techniques, how to evaluate and select information retrieval services and equipment, and discusses the impact of computerized information retrieval on libraries. (JAB)

When a small agriculture research library initiated computer-based retrospective literature searches, there was a significant increase in the library's interlibrary loan activity. Results of a study to determine the extent to which interlibrary loan activity was affected by the implementation of this service are reported. (JPF)

Libraries in Canada can now access the Telenet and Tymnet networks through a Canadian telecommunications network called DATAPAC. One library's trial use of DATAPAC, USER/network interaction, system messages and meanings, communications costs, impact on online searching in Canada, and the Canadian data bases which will now be accessible to users in…

Important current trends in the use of computer technology to enhance medical education are reported in the areas of simulation and assessment of clinical competence, curriculum integration, financial support, and means of exchanging views and scientific information. (RAO)

A description of techniques for introducing online services to new user groups includes discussion of terms and their definitions, evolution of online searching, advantages and disadvantages of online searching, production of the data bases, search strategies, Boolean logic, costs and charges, "do's and don'ts," and a user search questionnaire. (J…

This paper reviews the historical development of integrated data base management systems and examines competing approaches. Topics include management and utilization, implementation and design, query languages, security, integrity, privacy and concurrency. (Author/KP)

The current president of the American Society for Information Science shares his observations about the information industry, identifying positive and negative trends, and discusses the role ASIS can play in the continuing growth of the industry. (Author/CLB)

Profiles of online services provided by VU/TEXT, which maintains market access to electronic newspaper databases, highlights scope (newspapers, business information, wire services and nonnewspaper regional information, encyclopedia); search techniques; strengths; and upcoming enhancements. Descriptions of 17 databases and sample searches are…

Presents four teaching activities suitable for students in early elementary grades. The activities focus on creating a database for student use, a bulletin board which uses a visual diagram of modular programing, a program (with listing) which uses graphics to present a birthday greeting, and a random number program. (JN)