A Child care administrator considering the choice of a computerized management information system suitable for the child care agency faces a formidable array of variables important to the selection. This article offers a framework to help in evaluating and comparing the different systems available. (Author)

This report outlines a generalized storage scheme for large files of highly structured data, or catalogs, and describes their realization on magnetic tape. Each datum, large or small, is assigned to one of a number of data classes of which a user may define any number. The over-all organization of a catalog is given by a map that imposes a tree…

Two essential components of the information-logic problem are: (1) choosing some known part of the total information block for parallel review of the entire block and (2) parallel logic processing of a sequence of codes. The described device fulfills these essential components thereby improving information processing and increasing the speed of…

The subject of access control mechanisms in computer systems is concerned with effective means to protect the anonymity of private information on the one hand, and to regulate the access to shareable information on the other hand. Effective means for access control may be considered on three levels: memory, process and logical. This report is a…

The Draft Report of the Joint Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Regional Computing Centres of the Committee of Presidents of Universities of Ontario made a tentative recommendation that a regional computer center should be developed for the use of Ontario universities. However, on further investigation it was found that such a computer center would be…

The availability of low-cost minicomputers in the last few years has opened up many new control and special purpose applications for computers. However, using general purpose computers for these specialized applications often leads to inefficiencies in programing and operation. GRI Computer Corporation has developed a common-sense approach called…

The development and function of microprocessors are discussed and the associated implications for computers in education are presented. (MP)

Describes the general methodology of time and motion studies and reports the results of a study which used this methodology to compare digitization of images in a microcomputer environment with storage of images on microforms. (CLB)

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 the advantages of optical data disk-based storage systems including cost, performance, and space required. Conversion from tape-based to optical disk-based data management via a flexible, hardware-based optical archiving system is discussed. (Author/LRW)

The Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) data format is explained and illustrated, noting current and potential applications. The "5-inch" compact laserdisc is described and photographs of an IBM PC/Hitachi CD-ROM system adopted by Library Corporation to support its MARC database--BiblioFile--are presented. Screen displays for…

Discusses downloading of data from databases using microcomputers and mass storage technologies as it relates to copyright laws and legal implications. Topics covered include a definition of copyright; original works; collective works and compilations; fair use; downloading by libraries; court bases; and resolution of uncertainty surrounding…

Discusses software developed to organize and retrieve electronically stored data, examining structure of the databases in which information is stored and the physical structure of the storage medium. Hierarchical and relational databases, unordered files, B-trees, and storage/software for specific purposes (such as weather, stock market, and…

Part 1 presents the chemistry, physics, and engineering technology associated with magnetic and optical disks. This part explores the subjects of archiving, security, validation and certification, and protection. Questions and issues are raised in each of the areas that both users and vendors should be aware. (JN)

Describes the optical digital disk, which stores machine-readable information in digitized form, and discusses their production, cost, present and future applications. The major companies currently active in the disk field are noted. (MBR)