Suggests guidelines for selecting microcomputers, reviews present status of microcomputer industry, projects microcomputer capabilities for 1988 and 1998, and discusses implications of recent trends on microcomputer purchasing. It is concluded that buyers interested in a microcomputer for information management will make a safe decision selecting…

Examines microcomputer uses by United Nations to make information accessible to users in member states and steps promoting international information system microcomputer use. Discussion covers bibliographic and nonbibliographic applications, related software and hardware information handling packages, and problems of linking microcomputers with…

Presents results of a statistical analysis of information on the approximately 1,500 software packages currently contained in MicroUse, a database directory for software with library applications. These results include information on software types and their availability, costs, vendors/producers of microcomputer-based software, and…

Discusses factors that should be considered when comparing microcomputer software for small and medium-sized library catalogs and describes eight specific packages--BRS/Search Micros/Mini Version, Card Catalog, Golden Retriever, INMAGIC, TEQLIB, FINDER, SCIMATE, and STAR. (Author/MBR)

Discusses some of the major genetic information processes which may be modeled by computer program string manipulation, focusing on replication and transcription. Also discusses instructional applications of using string models. (JN)

Presents observations on the effects of a word processing program developed for first-grade students. Focuses on the composing and transcribing abilities of six students, representing the range of abilities in the class. (HTH)

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)

Describes use of PFS: File, a database management program for microcomputers that can be effectively utilized in periodical management, at the Apple Computer Library. The menu, format of the forms, checking in periodicals and listing missing issues, updating, reports, the periodical catalog, and helpful information are highlighted. Examples are…

Explores potential of mathematical theory of communication for information science and examines question of how to encode a message at time it is encountered for subsequent recall. Examples of problem, a prototype computer program and experiment, coding as embedding in associational nets, and nature of information are discussed. (Nine references.)…

Description of considerations special libraries must address before building databases is based on practical experiences of Comstow Information Services. Developing standards for all types of materials (journal articles, internal reports, competitors' literature, government documents, conference proceedings, analytics, books), retrospective…

Reports on computer-assisted instruction materials for use in special education settings (readiness level, reading, math, home and school, remedial/secondary, career/vocational education, programing/computer literacy, adaptive communication devices); professional application software (authoring systems, administration, testing); and software…

Describes "Bulletin Board" software program, which permits individuals or student groups to write, read, and/or evaluate student and instructor-generated multiple-choice and essay questions and to write and read news items. The program thus engages students more deeply in active learning, assessing course material, and providing peer…

Discusses the basic design and special features of robotic dialing systems that are programmed to make calls to parents of truant students and presents detailed information on seven currently available self-dialing attendance systems. (MBR)

Describes the Adult Basic Word List, a resource that can be used by illiterate adult learners for a quick spelling reference as well as by teachers and other curriculum developers for lesson and material design. (HOD)

Beginning with a simple computer program to teach a fundamental concept and building in small increments is suggested. For the topic of repeated operations, three activities, an extension, and some problems are given. (MNS)