In this second of two installments, a discussion of role of information science (IS) in numerical databases (NDBs) and vice versa highlights two elements of IS needed to develop NDBs: technical (hardware, software, artificial intelligence, degree of database reliability); social (man-machine interface, social infrastructure). Research requirements…

Describes databases frequently used in Business Information Center, Cummins Engine Company (Columbus, Indiana): Dun and Bradstreet Business Information Report System, Newsearch, Dun and Bradstreet Market Identifiers, Trade and Industry Index, PTS PROMT, Bureau of Labor Statistics files, ABI/INFORM, Magazine Index, NEXIS, Dow Jones News/Retrieval.…

Distinguishes between two basic types of interaction with online cataloging systems: preparation of bibliographic record offline by cataloger followed by online entry by clerk and interactive consultation by cataloger of online catalog while entering records. The Dobis/Libis system, authority files, code tables, command chaining, multidimensional…

Addresses the question of whether interest in downloading into local electronic libraries is a reflection of user needs or is being generated by those who have something to sell. Growth of online services, growth of local computer capacity, purposes of a local electronic library, and sources of data are highlighted. (EJS)

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

Focuses on the information aspects of the Grace Commission's (President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control) findings and recommendations contained in the report on federal research and development. Research project reporting and redundancy, database provided by National Technical Information Service, cost controls, and measuring research and…

Presents a concept of end-user query language with facilities for expressing relationships between objects kept in a database. The idea of nesting these features in typical document query language is shown. Examples of usage of these new facilities are included. (Author/MBR)

This second installment describes databases irregularly searched in the Business Information Center, Cummins Engine Company (Columbus, Indiana). Highlights include typical research topics (happenings among similar manufacturers); government topics (Department of Defense contracts); market and industry topics; corporate intelligence; and personnel,…

Discusses highlights in the development of genetic engineering, examining techniques with recombinant DNA, legal and ethical issues, GenBank (a national database of nucleic acid sequences), and other topics. (JN)

The optimum use of the microcomputer can emerge when it competes both in cost effectiveness and actual qualitative performance with all other educational media available. Mainframe computers, available in most school districts, can share data with microcomputers via terminals in schools and classrooms and allow microcomputers to operate most…

Describes how students set up a database or collection of favorite poems on the classroom computer. (HTH)

Microcomputers can help in estimating educational construction costs by setting up a database of construction history and by answering "what if" questions. A specific source of information on construction estimating software is the weekly "Engineering News Record." (MLF)

Explores the possibilities of using videodisc and optical disk technology as publishing media, highlighting the videodisc as an educational tool and visual supplement to online databases, digital database publishing on videodisc, optical disks for electronic document and image delivery systems, and costs associated with videodisc design and…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system to generate a personal database of books read by adding titles, displaying title/author information, and editing title/author information and discusses the system design, i.e., file structure (author index, book index, book, author), the main driver, function subroutines, and screen subroutines. (EJS)

A standard online search strategy involving use of acronyms is evolved and searches are performed over wide range of databases. Advantage gained by use of acronyms is measured with respect to free and controlled terms, and percentages of extra documents retrieved are given. Four references and sample searches are included. (EJS)