Discussion of factors which led Division of Library Automation, University of California, to configure its computing resources as they are now, notes distributed processing, centralized processing, machine architecture, selection of operating system, telecommunications software, software packages for online catalogs, and problems of overhead and…

Describes new technology known as videodisc, including optical videodisc, capacitance electronic disc, and video high density disc. Entertainment, educational, training, and information storage and retrieval potentials of videodiscs are discussed. A list of agencies active in optical disc applications, useful Canadian videodisc contacts, and a…

Examines two interpretations of the impact of microelectronics technology on international manufacturing and economic activities. The author describes how differences in estimates of the scope of changes caused by microelectronics and the relationship of these changes to concepts of industrialization will affect economic policy formation. (AM)

Describes three categories of computer-based information systems for career guidance (batch process, online information retrieval, and online career guidance), addresses the issue of effectiveness, and discusses the approach to system selection used for the Illinois Career Information Delivery System (CIDS) Feasibility Study. Thirty-one references…

Describes the features and operations of a user-searchable online catalog called PaperChase which was developed and implemented for the retrieval of medical literature by physicians at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Interaction with the system and use of the catalog during its first year of operation are discussed. (JL)

Presents an overview of the library's use of online systems in the areas of library user instruction, query analysis, and public access to library information. (FM)

INDEX, an interactive retrieval program developed at Pepperdine University, is described. It is easy to use and maintain, locates sources of information from a general description of the information needed, requires only a modest investment of time, and is widely applicable. (MLW)

Presents a chart which compares selected command functions of DIMDI and IRS/ESA, two major versions of the EURONET Common Command Language, with the IRS/ESA-Quest retrieval language and includes specific remarks for most of the commands. (RBF)

Discusses the design criteria of a study being conducted by the International Labor Office to determine potential uses of videotex at the UN and discusses approaches for locating publications via videotex, system publication categories, and existing information systems. (RBF)

Describes online courses offered--basic class, refresher course, advanced strategy session, and information session--at the University of Hawaii for librarians. Background, media aids, and future plans of the program as well as recommendations for other programs are addressed. Two tables outline the course series and basic class. (RBF)

Describes a training program omitting undesirable characteristics of vendor-supplied training and utilizing charts to compare and contrast features of online systems. Included are charts illustrating ORBIT commands for DIALOG searchers, BRS commands for DIALOG searchers, and an ORBIT string search. (RBF)

Explains how to search the ERIC system for materials on reading instruction for mentally retarded students. (AEA)

The academic world must take seriously recent progress in computerized legal information systems and push hard for reduction of costs of such a system. Cooperative efforts of all groups concerned is essential. (Journal availability: Sweet & Maxwell Ltd., 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE, one pound fifty pence.) (MSE)

Describes three current two-way public information systems representing the major technologies which are being proposed as international standards: Prestel (United Kingdom), Teletel (France), and Telidon (Canada). Information retrieval structures are compared, and difficulties for both the information provider and the information user are…

Reviews the literature of citation theory and advocates the development of a more consistent citing typology. Authors are encouraged to be more restrained and selective in their referencing habits to provide greater consistency in reference practice. Fifty-one references are cited. (RAA)