In this fifth course installment, the impact of technological developments on subject access is discussed. Expert opinions concerning trends in online catalogs, information storage, information generation, the user interface, library use of computer technology, subject access to pictorial materials, user friendly access sytems, and quicker access…

Concepts and symbols of the language of information techology are examined, including the concept of a technological revolution, a literacy crisis, the presumption of a moral and ethical dilemma, orientation toward the future, the promise of productivity, the image of an elite using an unintelligible language, and the symbol of the infallible…

Examines capabilities of the computer as a tool for bibliographic instruction; how librarians can utilize the computers; and the effects of microcomputers on bibliographic instruction librarians. Three approaches to writing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs (CAI authoring system, special purpose CAI language, general purpose computer…

Focuses on the multiple design issues involved in creating successful menu selection systems: semantic organization, response time, display rates, shortcuts for frequent users, titles, phrasing of menu items, graphic layout, and selection mechanisms. Pop-up and embedded menus, experimental results, and design guidelines are also covered.…

Outlines design requirements for situation description, policy specifications, and decision consequences feedback systems of type that could be used to help manage Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolios for large organizations. Several systems are described, and three additional systems design characteristics are…

Discusses aspects of microcomputer operation that are associated with the human operator and the interface between human and machine or workplace. Work productivity, furniture design (desks, seating), keyboards (shape, layout, and "feel" of keys), and video display terminal screens and lighting are noted. (EJS)

Briefly reviews history of library automation before discussing factors that libraries should consider before choosing to go online (collection size, machine-readable database, computer equipment, costs), and features of online catalogs (database organization, search features, authority files, display options). Information about selected online…

Describes the mechanics of information exchange between the computer and the user of, e.g., a word processing editor. The importance of user orientation, how it is affected by different types of interfaces, and space aids for orienting users in menu-driven or branching programs that present output in page format are discussed. (MBR)

Discusses the relationship between computers used for instructional purposes and students using such computers. (RK)

The author thinks that the microcomputer will combine with the concept of lifelong learning to cause sweeping changes in our concepts of education, training, and career development. He further argues that these three areas are going to lose their separate identities and become parts of a comprehensive system. (SSH)

Analyzes the cultural, social, economic, and political problems involved in handling new communications technologies, describes the electronic "nuts and bolts" of the communications-information revolution, and looks closely at potential contributions communications technology can make to development. Available from: Editorial, Sales and…

Testing in an industrial setting of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System--an intermediary system designed to train and assist users in conducting computer searches--demonstrates that end users can learn to do bibliographic searches through computer-assisted instruction that are as satisfactory as searches performed for them.…

Introduces educators to possibilities of computer graphics using an inexpensive computer system which takes advantage of existing equipment (35mm camera, super 8 movie camera, VHS video cassette recorder). The concept of the "art machine" is explained, highlighting input and output devices (X-Y plotter, graphic tablets, video…

Explores the use of computer-assisted learning, discussing possibilities, programs available (illustrating exciting programs and those which have failed), reasons for courseware failures, problems for schools (teacher acceptance, funding), and use of computers outside the school. A list of activities worthy of investigation and support are…