Examines the potential value of several established, commercial, remote data base services as well as several specialty bulletin boards that are of interest to student personnel staff. Notes that computerized data bases and bulletin boards can provide bibliographic references and much more. (Author/NB)

Describes OAKDEC, a program based on decision-making logic that uses expert system techniques to assess the status of a database search and to provide recommendations to the user on how to proceed. The discussion focuses on the use of OAKDEC as a research tool for studying user behavior. (20 references) (Author/CLB)

Presents an associational model for the diffusion of complex innovations which describes stages that individuals go through when adopting new ideas. The model was tested in a study that examined the cognitive structures of individuals at different stages in the adoption of computer-assisted legal research systems. (31 references) (Author/CLB)

Presents the estimated market values of optical data disk products in 1987 and 1988, and describes the primary and secondary market indicators used to evaluate product standings. The discussion covers issues affecting electronic publishing and the optical disk industry. (CLB)

Expert systems are computerized databases that can diagnose and recommend treatment for persons who are ill. The database contains information on more than 7,600 diseases generated from exhaustive questioning of experts. These systems supplement human expertise but do not replace the good teaching of physicians. (VM)

Discusses role of CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory) as a catalyst bringing together libraries, publishers, technology companies, and education in the development of creative solutions to educational problems. CD-ROM applications in the educational environment, specific efforts by libraries, and product development by publishers and technology…

The need for a coherent information systems development strategy that integrates both voice and data communications with computing into the campus computing environment is described. The need for a strategy, as opposed to a set of goals, in light of rapidly changing technological parameters, is discussed. (MLW)

Describes H. W. Wilson's information retrieval system which provides access to such familiar printed indexes as "Social Sciences Index,""Humanities Index,""Education Index," and "Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature." Use of this flexible system is explained and illustrated. (CDD)

Describes a public library's newspaper index which provides unique genealogical and historical information, and supplements or replaces lost official records for local counties in the form of a printed index. The process of database design, staffing, software and hardware requirements, working with a programmer, and data entry are explained. (EM)

Describes InfoMaster, a gateway system produced by Western Union, which provides access to 16 online database services. Highlights include the user-oriented, menu-driven gateway approach, range of databases, searching features, and InfoMaster's relationship to the EasyLink data communication service. Sample screen displays are provided. (EM)

Designing a student database to meet your school's specific recordkeeping and reporting needs is described. Setting up a data file, listing categories, and generating reports are each illustrated. (MNS)

Explains a new methodology for thesaurus design that is specifically geared for use by novice end-users, and describes a faceted hierarchical thesaurus organization which provides an economical information retrieval system in a corporate setting. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of a database management system (DBMS)--dBaseII--to create an enriched title-based keyword index for a collection of news items at the Renewable Energy Resources Information Center of the Asian Institute of Technology. The use of DBMSs in libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

This article presents an interview with Robert Taylor, a leading figure in educational computing. Among the topics covered are: (1) current developments in educational computing, (2) the changing role of teachers, (3) the resources computer technology will provide to social studies teachers, and (4) whether the probable future uses of computers…

This article provides a diverse collection of examples of computer use in elementary and secondary school social studies. Names and addresses are provided for contacting many of the projects. (JDH)