Describes the development of a prototype Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS) at the University of Houston library which integrated a CD-ROM local area network (LAN) and expert system technologies. Evaluations of the CD-ROM LAN performance and user reactions are reported, and possible future developments are discussed. (13 references)…

Examples of school systems that are using technology effectively show that school districts should take the following steps: (1) link measurable educational purposes with technology; (2) manage organizational and instructional changes to support technology; (3) create a long-term infrastructure plan for the entire school district; and (4)…

Provides historical background on hypertext and hypermedia; discusses their use in the humanities; gives examples of hypersystem applications in the humanities; and examines libraries' roles in the use of hypersystems in the humanities, including financing, implementation, evaluation, and humanist attitudes toward technology and hypersystems. (178…

Describes an analysis of transaction logs of the online catalog at the University of Missouri-Kansas City that examined patron use of both controlled and uncontrolled vocabulary subject access during the same search session. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and recommendations are made for library instruction and online catalog design. (six…

Presents a conceptual framework and a coherent method for information-technology design in an organizational context within the participatory-design tradition. The MUST method, developed through projects in Danish and American organizations, is based on thorough participation with users and managers and combines the use of ethnographic techniques…

Introduces a vision for how a multimedia learning system might work, and describes the design parameters involved in developing the EyeCue System, a large-scale interdisciplinary research-and-development project under development at North Carolina State University. (AEF)

Reports on the design of an automated query system to help pharmacologists access the Derwent Drug File (DDF). Topics include knowledge types; knowledge representation; role of the search intermediary; vocabulary selection, thesaurus, and user input in natural language; browsing; evaluation methods; and search statement generation for the World…

U.K.'s Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) developed a General-Purpose Integrated Learning Support (G-PILS) tool-kit and shell. G-PILS creates course/module specific learning support systems to manage the integration of courseware in a range of knowledge media (e.g., games, tutorial packages, simulations, electronic documents,…

Reports on an experiment in which detailed logging of the use of experimental information systems was used to determine the optimal configuration of the systems for users. Results suggest that systems can be created for users by analysis of the interaction of design features with personal characteristics such as cognitive abilities. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of three synchronous distributed learning prototype systems: Co-Working System, Working Along System, and Hybrid System. Each supports a particular style of interaction, referred to a socio-activity learning model, between members of student dyads (pairs). All systems were…

Discusses individual differences between users of information systems that can influence search performance, and describes two experiments that addressed user-centered design of information systems. Highlights include interaction between cognitive abilities and design features; compensation and capitalization perspectives; recall and precision;…

Describes an approach outlined by sciences and engineering librarians at the University of California, Santa Barbara to attract users--specifically graduate students and faculty--to the available online databases and services. The strategy focused on the essentials of planning, preparation and publicity, presentation, and post-workshop evaluation.…

Describes the workings of computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Focuses on the key concept of information and then discusses two important components of a CAT system: the calibrated item bank and the testing algorithm. Describes a CAT that was designed for making placement decisions on the basis of two typical test administrations and notes the…

Focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of Web-based resource sites developed for specific target audiences. The case study described is a site developed to support Web-based instruction in both corporate and educational settings; however the principles are also applicable for Web resource sites developed for many other content areas.…

Various methods for retrieving chemical structure information on the World Wide Web are discussed. Although graphical plug-in programs provide more search capabilities, users first have to obtain a copy of the programs. Tripos's WebSketch and ACD Interactive Lab adopt a different approach; using JAVA applets, users create and display a structure…