Cognitive tools, computer-based applications normally used as productivity software, can also function as knowledge representation formalisms that require learners to think critically. Databases, spreadsheets, semantic networks, expert systems, and multimedia/hypermedia construction can function as computer-based cognitive tools to expand student…

Describes the use of multimedia language labs for teaching foreign languages and English as a Second Language. Hardware is discussed, including videocassette recorders, camcorders, computers, CD-ROMs, and laser discs; software products are described; visual databases are explained; audiovisual components are examined; and sidebars list vendor…

Examines the current state of research in Hungary. Topics discussed include funding; access to bibliographic databases, adequate telephone service and electronic mail; money for library materials; support for conference attendance; language problems; and political barriers to information and technology from the West, the former Soviet Union, and…

Description of scientific research and scientific and technical information in Ghana highlights the role of the Ghana National Scientific and Technical Information Network (GHASTINET). Obstacles to the provision of adequate resources are discussed, including lack of funding and lack of trained library staff; and recommendations for improvements…

Discusses the acquisition of library materials in electronic formats, particularly CD-ROMs and machine-readable data files (MRDFs) in academic libraries, and considers possible problems that can result related to collection development policies. Cooperation in the selection process between subject collectors and technical experts is suggested.…

Describes the design and development of an image database for photographs in the Ulster Museum (Northern Ireland) that used parallelism from a transputer network. Topics addressed include image processing techniques; documentation needed for the photographs, including indexing, classifying, and cataloging; problems; hardware and software aspects;…

Presents an overview of the types of information and information sources available in the field of atmospheric sciences. Included are major library collections; organizations; government programs, including air pollution control regulations; electronic databases; and networking resources. Addresses are provided for all sources, and definitions of…

Describes the Pan-African Network for a Geological Information System (PANGIS) that was designed so that developing African nations could use their own information resources and make them available internationally. Topics discussed include training programs, standards, computer hardware and software, bibliographic databases, and future plans. (LRW)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM and describes features of CD-Recordable (CD-R) technology, including disc capacity, data transfer rate, mastering, and multiple-write session. CD-R applications, application development costs, and staffing requirements are considered. (EA)

Describes the Mercury Electronic Library, a project at Carnegie Mellon University that involved development of software for an electronic library, implementation of the software by the university libraries, and stimulation of the market for electronic publishing. The library information system interface and databases and the computing system…

Describes the development at Indiana State University of a SuperCatalog, a computerized library catalog that provides access to both library holdings and locally loaded commercial databases, including ERIC and Wilson indexes. Software is discussed; the impact on staff, users, interlibrary loan, and library instruction is examined; and future…

Introduces and discusses ideas and issues relevant to the international unification of scientific and technical information (STI) through development of an international aerospace database (IAD). Specific recommendations for improving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aerospace Database (NAD) and for implementing IAD are given.…

Describes the MenUSE (Menu-based User Search Engine) retrieval system for multilingual database searching and reviews the status of other similar projects funded by the European Communities Commission. A Japanese-English version of MenUSE is explained, including its use of HyperCard software. (LRW)

Reviews improvements to the Dictionary on Computer (DOC) research system redesigned by the University of California Berkeley Project on Linguistic Analysis. Emphasizes the redesigned program's greater accessibility since its introduction into a microcomputer environment. Underscores DOC's research value for studying the history of Chinese…

Educational administration program coordinators in over 200 U.S. and Canadian universities were asked to indicate which computer applications and course developments they thought would prove most useful in training school leaders for 1990s. The highest ranked skills were word processing, scheduling, database management, budgeting, and…