Discussion of the need for distributed information retrieval systems focuses on a model system, Fulcrum FUL/Text. Differences from distributed database management systems are described; system design is discussed; implementation requirements are explained including remote operation calls (ROC's); and a prototype simulation model based on FUL/Text…

The usability test team examined design problems that limit the ability of instructors at the Indiana University to use data entry forms on the School of Education Web site. The forms permit instructors to publish information about themselves and about courses they teach on the School of Education Web site. Faculty and graduate student instructors…

Because the complex link and node structure awaiting users can lead them into becoming lost in hyperspace and cause them cognitive overload, navigating the hypertext system is often not an easy task, especially for novices. They may have difficulty perceiving a structure of an entire system, locating specific information, or using a navigational…

This testimony is an evaluation of the U.S. Department of Education's progress in integrating its National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) with other student financial aid systems, as required by law. NSLDS was authorized under the 1986 Higher Education Act amendments as a means to improve compliance with repayment and loan-limitation provisions,…

On2broker provides brokering services to improve access to heterogeneous, distributed, and semistructured information sources as they are presented in the World Wide Web. It relies on the use of ontologies to make explicit the semantics of Web pages. This paper discusses the general architecture and main components (i.e., query engine, information…

This paper began as an attempt to clarify and classify the development of Web3D environments from 1995 to the present. In that process, important facts came to light. A large proportion of these sites were virtual galleries and museums. Second, these same environments covered a wide array of architectural interpretations and represented some of…

This paper discusses problems concerning the design of educational applications in general, as well as specific problems connected with educational applications meant to be published on the Web. A new approach to the authoring and maintaining of Web-based educational applications is proposed which is based on the concept of hypermedia composites.…

Presents an information visualization workspace in which users are able to explore data presented in diverse but coordinated formats using related systems called Visage, SAGE, and selective dynamic manipulation (SDM). Discusses four dimensions for analyzing user interfaces that reveal the combination of design approaches needed for visualizations…

Introduces concepts of server security and includes articles and sidebars of firsthand accounts of consequences of not devoting enough time to security measures. Outlines the following factors to consider when evaluating a server's risk potential: confidentiality/reproducibility of the data; complexity of the system; backup system and hardware…

Discusses the shortcomings of present online catalogs and some concepts and implementations for hypercatalogs. A prototype for a hypertext-based library catalog, HyperKGB, is described and its design principles and functionality are outlined. (Author/AEF)

Reviews literature on digital libraries (DLs) by examining its conceptions; concepts related to social informatics; researchers exploring DL social informatics; methods of DL design; social aspects of DL infrastructure and use; and research approaches to DL social informatics. Presents questions for further research and discusses social and…

Provides a comprehensive list of all the major vendors offering the Windows NT operating system, the latest in integrated online library systems software. Describes features and capabilities; platforms; and libraries where it is installed. (AEF)

Explores the similarities, differences, and emerging trends among the fields of human performance technology, electronic performance support systems, technical communications, and instructional design to gain insights into how their evolution affects performance support. The tension between designed messages and tools, which allows users more…

Describes the development of a multimedia Web-based system in Europe which combines an autonomous approach to learning involving both collaborative and trainer-guided activities. Focuses on the opportunities offered by information and communication technology to the training of technicians who have to gain shared knowledge on water network…

Discusses archiving digital information and the need for organizations to develop policies regarding digital asset management (DAM) and storage. Topics include determining the value of digital assets; formats of digital information; use of stored information; and system architecture, including hardware and asset management software. (LRW)