A progress report on the Center for the Study of Higher Education (CASE) National Donor Data Base Project is presented. The project, which began in June 1987, has proceeded in several phases: (1) data base design; (2) acquisition of data from participating institutions; (3) development of software to load each institution's data into the donor…

These training minicourse materials include class schedules, a description of class composition, class outlines, and a list of handouts for using AppleWorks database applications with the Apple IIGS computer in language arts, social studies, and science. Classes for each content area include introductions to the Apple IIGS computer, to the…

This report discusses an iterative methodology for logical database design (LDD). The methodology includes four phases: local information-flow modeling, global information-flow modeling, conceptual schema design, and external schema modeling. These phases are intended to make maximum use of available information and user expertise, including the…

This document contains the proceedings from the Conference of State and Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors and Faculties of Graduate Programs in Public Health Nutrition designed to improve participants' proficiency in data management. It includes an introduction by Mildred Kaufman, a conference agenda, and the following presentations:…

This paper describes the evolution and development of an intelligent information system, i.e., a knowledge base for steel structures being undertaken as part of the Technical Information Center for Steel Structures at Lehigh University's Center of Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS). The initial development of the Technical…

Discusses the probabilistic nature of information retrieval, and describes a front end system designed to permit searchers to attach probabilistically interpreted weights to query terms, which could be adapted for conventional information retrieval systems without requiring radical changes in current indexing procedures. (37 references) (CLB)

General and special purpose database programs are appropriate for inventory control at the school building level. A fixed asset equipment inventory example illustrates the feasibility of computerized inventory control. (MLF)

Discusses advantages and limitations of database software in meeting the educational objectives of history instruction; reviews five currently available computer programs (FACTFILE, QUEST, QUARRY BANK 1851, Census Analysis, and Beta Base); highlights major considerations that arise in designing such programs; and describes their classroom use.…

Describes characteristics of hypertext, how it is currently being used, and discusses possible uses of hypertext in conjunction with online databases. An online medical textbook developed by BRS and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center is described, links between databases are discussed, and future systems are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

Provides a direct instruction strategy for teaching skills and concepts required for database use. Creates an interactive environment which motivates, provides a model, imparts information, allows active student participation, gives knowledge of results, and presents guidance. (LS)

Describes current features of the Research Libraries Information Network and ongoing research to enhance the system. Features discussed include access to the central bibliographic database, authority control, nonroman character set support, special databases for search only use, thesauri, videodisk interfaces, and file clustering. (CLB)

Proposes a new learning algorithm to improve the retrieval effectiveness of the search system used in the hypertext environment using an extended Boolean model with links to improve the ranking of retrieved items. Highlights include the basic retrieval scheme, the learning scheme, and a review of basic probabilistic retrieval models. (Contains 32…

Describes a prototype reference collection management system that uses a relational database management program to automate traditional library processes such as library inventory and shelf-reading. Examines reference collection management criteria and system considerations, and reviews the database's characteristics and its benefits to libraries.…

Addresses foundations of designing a bibliographic database for casual end-users, including the representation of knowledge, hierarchical schemata, cognitive processing of search problems, basic level categories of knowledge, and Boolean strategy in online searching. A hierarchical-based query model, data-item model, and idealized data model for…

Discusses natural language retrieval systems, focusing on West Publishing Company's WIN (Westlaw Is Natural) system used with its case law database. Information retrieval models, the advantages and disadvantages of natural language retrieval, and the use of the approach by Congressional Quarterly's Washington Alert, Personal Librarian, and other…