Office automation has introduced new hazards to the workplace: electrical hazards related to computer wiring, musculoskeletal problems resulting from use of computer terminals and design of work stations, and environmental concerns related to ventilation, noise levels, and office machine chemicals. (SK)

Describes an interface mechanism called "complex view support" to be used with a relational database system (RDBS) in supporting increasingly complex distributed environments in automated library systems. The interface system refers queries to multidimensional tables as well as to flat tables on RDBS and is shown to efficiently support…

Describes two options that can address the issues of catalog production in a bilingual environment: a two-file option, which is the equivalent of a separate catalog for each language, and a totally bilingual catalog. The technical characteristics of each option, and the appropriateness of each for different user communities, are discussed. (eight…

Describes the experiences of four library automation projects that involved multitype library networks. Areas discussed include forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library marketplace, the increasing complexity and interrelationships of automated systems and the profound impact of such systems on libraries. (CLB)

Discusses various aspects of the application of optical data disk (CD-ROM) technology in libraries. Topics discussed include the need to acquire information directly from optical data disk experts; characteristics of reference works that make them amenable to conversion; barriers to the application of this technology; innovations currently being…

Discusses traditional library approaches to access to information and the possible impact of information technologies, library automation, and artificial intelligence. Access issues raised by these technologies are identified and a research agenda to explore these issues is outlined. (31 references) (CLB)

Defines the domains that specific hypertext environments (DSHE) represent and examines DSHE for the domains of journal and book publishing, insurance policy management, and software engineering. The discussion covers seven dimensions along which the power of DSHE can be defined; organizational costs; and topics for further investigation. (27…

Examines published and unpublished writings of Vannevar Bush to better determine why he created the memex and what he hoped to accomplish with such a machine. The discussion covers the extent to which hypertext and modern technology have fulfilled Bush's predictions. (24 references) (CLB)

Addresses ways to achieve organizationally the most effective application of computer information technology to university library services. The history of the last 25 years in automation at the Stanford University Libraries is reviewed as a case study. (12 references) (MES)

Describes Grammateion, a hypertext system developed to simplify the use of ancient language symbols in scholarly work by providing basic grammatical and lexical information about Greek. A sidebar discussing the benefits of such technologies to the humanities argues that they allow teachers more time to interact with students and students to work…

Discusses the organization of information in academic libraries and suggests that librarians' organizational experience could be helpful to other academic information systems. Technological advancements in libraries are explained, standardization is considered, and the need to manage information efficiently among all campus departments is…

Describes the advances in telecommunications and compact storage technologies that make it possible for electronic bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. The feasibility of the widespread use of such bookmobiles is considered in view of the high cost of the technologies involved. (19 references) (CLB)

Industrialized nations have learned that vocational education is essential to developing a skilled work force. Newly industrialized countries competing in the global economy are finding that automation, multinational companies, and rapid growth are making investment in human resources through training a critical strategy. (SK)

Two articles describe computerized reference systems created for college libraries in New York (Cornell and SUNY Binghamton) and at the University of Virginia, respectively. (TE)

Office automation technology is being used to process proposals at Clemson University. The Electronic Proposal Submittal project is a process by which the Principal Investigator can create a proposal at his or her local station and electronically submit it for processing. (Author/MLW)