Performed a content analysis of information needs and uses literature published from 1990-94. Primary analyses measured the degree of interdisciplinarity evident in references cited, determined whether the literature was concerned with users' cognitive processes and systems' design and use, and identified research methods. (Author/PEN)

The Archimedes Project's primary goal is to educate those who will develop the next generation of software and hardware on the obstacles and opportunities that technology presents for people with disabilities. Its research program designs prototypes, explores accessibility problems, and conducts research on relevant scientific issues. (Author/PEN)

Profiles the top-selling IOLS (integrated online library systems) software for libraries based on sales figures reported in the 1996 "Library Journal" annual survey of the library automation marketplace. Highlights include microcomputer-based systems and minicomputer-based systems, system components, MARC formats, and market sectors.…

Reviews instructional design issues for electronic performance support systems and outlines strategies for developing an effective system for a given work setting. Discusses overall design, the information database, the advisory and instructional components, and access to applications software. (AEF)

Sophisticated computerized school information systems (SISs) will have to provide school-based information relevant to the development of policies in areas where schools used to merely follow governmental guidelines. The large-scale research project in England, reported in this article, goes some way toward filling gaps in the knowledge on the…

The current version of the IP protocol, IPv4, is the most widely used protocol in computer networks. This article describes mechanisms that can be used to facilitate the transition to the new version of the IP protocol, IPv6, and examines usability, usefulness and manageability. Describes how some of these mechanisms were applied to the Greek…

Delivering content to distant users located in dispersed networks, separated by firewalls and different web domains requires extensive customization and integration. This article outlines some of the problems of implementing the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) in the Marine Corps' Distance Learning System (MarineNet) and extends…

Describes the layered model of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI); summarizes the three upper and lower layers; and discusses data communications standards associated with specific layers. Architectural concepts are explored, including hierarchy and abstraction, levels of dialogue, internetworking, and end-to-end communication. OSI is compared…

Describes Project THEORIA, which was developed at Carnegie Mellon University to design interactive simulation environments for testing hypotheses and theories of the arts and human morals. Three projects in various stages of design and development are described: (1) "A Right to Die?; (2) "Art or Forgery?"; and (3) "Birth or…

Reviews the development process of the TouchSource authoring system, which has been designed for use in developing touchscreen information directories using interactive videodisc. Topics discussed include authoring languages; the compatibility of interactive videodisc systems; hardware considerations; menu creation and design; database functions;…

Discusses the issues influencing the design, implementation, and promotion of the Towers Perrin in-house text retrieval system. The discussion of factors influencing system design includes the organizational culture, the existing computer and communications network, and the availability of text retrieval software. Suggestions for in-house systems…

These two articles discuss the contributions of behavioral and cognitive psychology to the design of computer-based instruction (CBI) and describe an integrated meta-model for use with instructional systems design (ISD) called ROPES + (Retrieving, Orienting, Presenting, Encoding, and Sequencing). Highlights include motivation, information…

Describes study that was conducted to investigate the relationship between locus of control and user attitude toward computer based information systems (CBIS) used at work. The impact of user involvement is examined, the hypotheses tested are described, and implications for introducing CBIS into organizations are discussed. (14 references) (LRW)

The Structured Sound Function (SSF) Model is proposed as a method for adding audio to educational computer programs. Topics include the background of the SSF Model; educational hypermedia computing; the two approaches (structure-before-function and function-before-structure) of applying the SSF Model; and recent applications. (57 references)…

Discusses a user interface that simplifies NF Squared (non-first-normal-form) relational query formulation in which query specification remains compact and straightforward. This interface allows for nesting and general hierarchical structures and restructuring which provides for more effective retrieval and query formulation. (Author/JKP)