Discusses the importance of the next article in this issue, which deals with the acceptance of electronic or optical forms of data as evidence during litigation. The collection and storage of data in new formats is described, and the need for technological knowledge for attorneys acting as general counsel to agencies is discussed. (LRW)

Presents guidelines prepared by Department of Justice Management Division staff to provide an understanding of the rules of evidence as they apply to electronically filed records and ensure that appropriate agency procedures are instituted in creating and maintaining such records. Hearsay, authentication, and the laying of a proper foundation are…

As contracts to operate ERIC clearinghouses come up for recompetition in 1992, readers are invited to provide input to the Office of Educational Research and Improvement covering ways the ERIC Clearinghouse on Tests, Measurement, and Evaluation and the entire ERIC system can better serve the educational community. (SLD)

In a study of the supply and demand of teachers, a state teacher workforce database was analyzed to determine why language teachers were leaving in downstate Illinois. Recommendations are offered for future attrition databases and analyses. (13 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the Refugee Data Center (RDC) (New York City), a hub for linking refugees with voluntary resettlement agencies. The RDC maintains a database on refugees as they progress toward final resettlement in the United States. At present, RDC files include refugees from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. (SLD)

Reports results of a 1991 survey of vendors, users, and evaluators of text retrieval products. Data are presented and discussed on product revenue trends, sales by industry, individuals responsible for evaluation and purchase decisions, product installations by platform, relative importance of key benefits and functionalities, return on…

Describes the Special Collections Database (SCDB), which is being developed by Ohio State University to provide better access to its special collections through item level bibliographic records for nonbook items. It is noted that these collections include fiction, the theater arts, music, photography, and the graphic arts. Copies of draft…

Discussion of automatic indexing in information retrieval systems focuses on attempts to improve the indexing representation produced by the FASIT system. Concept selection and concept grouping are explained; improving disambiguation is discussed; and a retrieval experiment to test the effectiveness of the disambiguation using the cystic fibrosis…

Describes a study in which several different sets of hypertext links are inserted by different people in full-text documents. The degree of similarity between the sets is measured using coefficients and topological indices. As in comparable studies of inter-indexer consistency, the sets of links used by different people showed little similarity.…

Describes how the change to Standard Generalized Markup Language at Information Builders began with the use of SGML-like markup in text because it solved a specific problem. Notes that many additional unexpected benefits led to an investigation of converting to formal SGML-based electronic publishing. (SR)

Argues that effective hypermedia designs should meet four goals: (1) minimize clutter so that the document looks and feels simple to use; (2) create an image appropriate to the corporate sponsor and to the users' expectations; (3) provide ready access to stored information; (4) minimize the effort, technology, and resources needed. (SR)

This list of resources on attention deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity includes 9 national organizations, 13 federally sponsored training projects, and a federally sponsored dissemination project; information on the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education and the Exceptional…

Explains the efforts of the ICSTI (International Council for Scientific and Technical Information) Group on Interdisciplinary Searching to identify and describe problems of interdisciplinary searching and to propose solutions. Problems are summarized in six areas: database coverage and technical content, bibliographic information, textual content,…

Describes a study that was conducted to explore the potential of text analysis as a tool in full-text search and design improvement. A review of pertinent literature is included, and a trial analysis performed in the domain of family history literature is described. (Contains 49 references.) (LRW)

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…