Discusses some of the major aspects of authoring hypertext documents and databases as forms of interactive instruction. Highlights include knowledge structuring; root documents; authoring tools; screen formats; computer graphics; collaboration among authors; cognitive processes; and degree of learner control. (LRW)

Discusses software that is used to drive and access optical disk jukeboxes, which are used for data storage. Categories of the software are described, user categories are explained, the design of implementation approaches is discussed, and representative software products are reviewed. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes the development of a campuswide information system at the University of Pennsylvania called PennInfo. Topics discussed include client/server architecture; menu-driven software; technical features; operational support to end-users; a Gopher server; and future plans. (LRW)

Examines the connection between symptoms commonly related to severe mental illness in individuals, and compares it to the presence of potential "psychic triggers" identified as attributes found in the design and use of virtual reality. (Author/AEF)

Presents the history of the Internet with specific emphasis on Mosaic; discusses hypertext and hypermedia information; and describes software and hardware requirements. Sidebars include information on the National Center for Super Computing Applications (NCSA); World Wide Web browsers for use in Windows, Macintosh, and X-Windows (UNIX); and…

Outlines the ETHICS methodology for workplace system design. This structured approach includes recognizing needs, setting objectives, choosing strategies, and evaluating results. Through user involvement, effective communication, and informed choice, ETHICS seeks to achieve greater realization of the advantages of new work systems. (JKP)

Describes an artificially intelligent multimedia computerized instruction system capable of developing a conceptual image of what a student is learning while the student is learning it. It focuses on principles of learning and adaptive behavioral control systems theory upon which the system is designed and demonstrates multiple user modes.…

Discusses what a functional chemical information workstation should provide to support the users in an academic library and examines how it can be implemented. Highlights include basic design considerations; natural language interface, including grammar-based, context-based, and statistical methodologies; expert system interface; and programming…

Discusses the creation of library computer information systems and shows the four phases incorporated by successful projects. Highlights include phase I: demonstrating a need for a new system; phase II: the development environment; phase III: guidelines to ensure the system will be useful; and phase IV: implementation and acceptance of the new…

This article briefly describes the development of bibliographic retrieval systems in the Instituto de Beneficio di Minerales (IN BE MI) in Salta, Argentina, using the Mini-micro CDS/ISIS software developed by Unesco. (LRW)

Authority control improves users' access to a library's holdings by enhancing the ability to find and select materials. The AutoCat authority control system developed at Dickinson College (Carlisle, Pennsylvania) avoids the high initial costs of vendor clean up and Library of Congress authority tapes while reducing the labor involved in authority…

Provides an overview of issues concerned with the design and use of computer-based simulations. Learning processes are discussed, and the SIMULATE project, which was developed to design an integrated set of authoring tools for the construction of an intelligent simulation learning environment (ISLE), is described. (15 references) (LRW)

Introduces navigation as a central concept for information retrieval and for information systems in general. The evolution of information systems is described; navigability as an aid to improve relevance is discussed; and a system under development that attempts to facilitate navigation for information retrieval is described. (31 references) (LRW)

Discusses captioning of instructional video programs for people with hearing disabilities. Topics addressed include closed captioning versus open captioning; captioning of prerecorded programs; external captioning sources; local captioning methods; captioning systems; lower cost alternatives for open captioning; and multimedia personal computers…

Discussion of virtual reality (VR) focuses on research and development being carried out at NYNEX to solve business problems. Component technologies are described; design decisions are considered, including interactivity, connectivity, and locus of control; potential perils of VR are discussed, including user dissociation; and areas of promise are…