Compares six leading Web search engines (AltaVista, Excite, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, and Northern Light), looking at the breadth of their coverage, accuracy, and ease of use, and finds a clear favorite of the six. Includes tips that can improve search results. (AEF)

Describes graphical elements--backgrounds, buttons, rules, and enhancements like drop shadows--that can transform Web pages without significantly increasing download time. Used thoughtfully and consistently, such graphical elements can create a unique style that serves as a personal Web page trademark. (AEF)

Clifford A. Lynch, developer of MELVYL and former director of library automation at the University of California, is now executive director for the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). This interview discusses Lynch's background, MELVYL, the Web and the role of libraries and librarians, community and collaborative filtering, the library of…

Discusses some of the theory underlying visual access tools for special collections, introduces a specific World Wide Web application using the technology, and indicates some of the potential of the tool for visual access to images as well as text documents. Appendices include texts of courses used for proximity calculations as well as NASA…

Discusses detailed classification systems, sophisticated alphabetical indexing systems and reasons for the abandonment of complex indexing systems. The suggested structure for indexing the Internet or other large electronic collections of documents is based on that of book indexes: specific headings with coined modifications. (Author/AEF)

Outlines where expert systems can be most effectively used, what types of applications are best for building expert systems, and how to put expert system applications on the World Wide Web. Illustrates how decision-making knowledge and logic can be made available on the Web, and includes examples of computer screens. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design and implementation of a prototype visualization system, AuthorLink, to enhance author searching. AuthorLink is based on author co-citation analysis and visualization mapping algorithms. AuthorLink produces interactive author maps in real time from a database of 1.26 million records supplied by the Institute for Scientific…

Discusses data modeling and its relation to computer systems design and describes the components of a distance education course including 13 half-hour videos designed to prepare systems analysts. Highlights aspects of the seventh unit dealing with data modeling. Appendices outline the 13 units of the information technology distance course and…

Describes a series of user studies used to advance understanding of how people use electronic tables (E-tables) and inform the development of a Web-based statistical table browser for use by non-specialists. Results of needs assessment, prototype development, and user studies provide a foundation for understanding E-tables in general and guiding…

Cognitive simulations are runnable computer programs for modeling human cognitive activities. A case study is reported where expert systems were used as a formalism for modeling metacognitive processes in a seminar. Building cognitive simulations engages intensive introspection, ownership and meaning making in learners who build them. (Author/AEF)

Provides methods for the systematic redesign of a library Web site through comparing baseline data changes in use brought about by design changes. Shows how complementary information, based on Web users' log statistics and direct observations of users, can enhance a library Web site. Relates this information to practical Web site decisions that…

Provides a brief overview of primary computer network structures serving the academic research community and discusses plans for the transformation of Internet into a National Research and Education Network (NREN). The scope of resources likely to be available to users through the NREN are described, the concept of national collaboratives is…

Discusses issues and procedures involved in auditing the automated acquisitions system at Ohio State University Libraries. The audit process is explained, internal controls within the system are identified, general control mechanisms such as limited electronic access are discussed, and application control mechanisms that relate to specific…

Considers issues and concerns relating to the integration of archival and manuscripts records into library bibliographic and retrieval systems. Differences in the nature of library and archival materials are discussed, library functions and archival functions are compared, and archival uses of authority files are described. (six references) (LRW)

Discusses the structure of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) and describes the development of a new structure for ITSs that is not domain dependent and is more readily adaptable by individual teachers. Pedagogical rules that help decide how much student control versus how much teacher control is present in the system are discussed. (14…