The first of two papers discusses natural language searching as a user performance enhancement tool, focusing on artificial intelligence applications for information retrieval and problems with natural language processing. The second presents a conceptual framework for further development and future design of front ends to online bibliographic…

In a study of competencies needed by secondary school teachers, the comparative effectiveness of three occupational analysis techniques was examined. It was found that DACUM and Information Search were equally effective, and critical incident was less effective. It was considered that both DACUM and Information Search needed to be used to obtain…

Examines changes in the newsmaking process following the introduction of an electronic newspaper library system. Finds that, although all journalists reported using clip files, 16 percent did not use the electronic library when it was installed. (RS)

The article looks at a variety of ways that universities can coordinate their information processing activities across disciplines and institutions. Examples of current cooperative efforts are described with emphasis on efforts in the Boston and San Francisco Bay areas. (DB)

Discusses methods and content of library instruction for CD-ROM searching in terms of the needs of end-users. Instructional methods explored include staff instruction, structured instruction, database documentation, tutorials and help screens, and floaters. Suggestions for effective instruction in transfer of skills, database content, database…

Describes trends in CD-ROM retrieval software design and discusses the need to evaluate such software in terms of the specific requirements of the purchaser. A checklist of general evaluation criteria for five aspects of access software--hardware/software dependencies, interface features, search and retrieval functions, output functions and…

Describes a model for the workload of a full text retrieval system and of a simulation model for a version of an existing system called Full/Text. The effectiveness of various data caching strategies using the 2 models are explored, and the impact of various parameters on the strategies are evaluated. (13 references) (LRW)

Discusses the critical need for tools to manage, access, and disseminate text and image information ranging from free-form ASCII data to scanned documents stored on optical media. Current types of integrated text/image databases are described and the advancement of technology toward systems that manage large collections of documents made up of…

Describes CD-ROM and its use as a new form of instructional technology. Topics discussed include the role of software in searching databases; benefits of CD-ROM over traditional materials; the need for adequate instruction on searching, including examples of necessary skills for effective searching; and guidelines for search strategies. (LRW)

Describes some of the problems encountered in full text searching and suggests ways to overcome them. Areas discussed include differences between online and offline versions of full text; lack of precise and flexible indexing; software inadequacies; record displays; typographical errors; and problems with both global and source searching. (six…

Describes the software architecture and application of SABRE (Semi-Automated Bibliographic Environment), which is one of the first products to provide a semi-automatic environment for relevancy ranking of citations obtained from searches of bibliographic databases. Features designed to meet the review, categorization, culling, and reporting needs…

Discusses various categories of software that can be applied to the development of in-house databases on microcomputers, and describes the use of a general purpose package with a procedural language to design a small indexing system called Revelation. The description covers data storage and maintenance, database design, file searching, and system…

Describes a project for the creation of an indexing system for architectural drawings that will allow integration of bibliographic and intellectual access to the collection using an existing online library information network. The discussion covers the influence of archival, curatorial, and library traditions on the project. (11 references) (CLB)

Describes the grant proposal process followed by the Florida State University System to develop search and retrieval software adhering to the ANSI Z39.50 standard that would operate over the Open Systems Interconnection communications protocol on the local NOTIS system. Formation of the Z39.50 Implementation Group (ZIG) is also discussed.…

Explains how to retrieve graphics that are available on the World Wide Web and add them to a Web page using a word processor that can save documents in an ASCII (American Standard Code Information Interchange) text format and a new version of Netscape. A list of various, unrelated Internet resources is also included. (LRW)