Three case studies of organizations that have implemented Cuadra Associate's STAR system, an integrated multiuser hardware and software information management system, describe and evaluate the use of the system with microcomputers within a database services organization, an academic law library, and an academic health sciences library. (CLB)

Data management challenges at the Pennsylvania State University are discussed, including providing user access to data, developing a classification system for data elements, eliminating the manual process for creating tailored user views, and developing data dictionary user enhancements. Solutions are provided to give insight into problem solving.…

Explains the procedures and materials involved in converting a high school's punch-card system to an online database. Identifies the capacities of the new system and highlights its advantages. (ML)

Discusses criteria for evaluating microcomputer database management systems (DBMS) used for storage and retrieval of bibliographic data. Two popular types of microcomputer DBMS--file management systems and relational database management systems--are evaluated with respect to these criteria. (Author/MBR)

Colleges and universities must find a way to streamline and integrate information management processes across the organization. The Georgia Institute of Technology responded to an acute problem of dissimilar operating systems with a campus-wide integrated administrative system using a machine independent relational database management system. (MSE)

New, highly flexible accounting software packages have abandoned the rigidity of past systems and are designed to be easily customized to the school district's needs without programming. Process-based software integrates processes and work flow, allowing users to work across application and function boundaries, as well as organizational…

This paper examines the administrative uses of the microcomputer, stating that high performance educational managers are likely to have microcomputers in their organizations. Four situations that would justify the use of a computer are: (1) when massive amounts of data are processed through well-defined operations; (2) when data processing is…

This manual has been designed to assist in the conversion of schools to the SIMS (Student Information Management System) School System. SIMS is based on a software package modified for use in the North Carolina Public School System. The term "conversion" refers to the process of changing the current records system to a new one, thus…

Descriptions of microcomputer software packages currently available in Australia emphasize those used by special and school libraries. Software for library management functions, text retrieval, and database management systems are included, and geographical distribution is examined. The need for professional development courses in software…

Describes Vannevar Bush's vision of memex, a mechanized private file and library, and suggests that the ability of users to download library online catalogs and manage the information on personal computers will realize Bush's vision. Current software packages are described, and the possible implications for libraries are explored. (CLB)

Suggestions are offered for automating university telemarketing efforts. The integration of computer technology with existing phone systems can be accomplished using various types of terminals, caller-controlled or computer-controlled dialing, systematic database management, and institutional commitment. Increased efficiency and long-term cost…

School districts should have a records management system through which student, employee, and related documents are maintained. Explains the meaning of records management, the implications of choosing not to establish an ongoing program, and how to be a leader in the program. (eight references) (MLF)

Describes some of the available software and hardware tools that can be used to develop a decision support system implemented on microcomputers. Activities that should be supported by software are discussed, including data entry, data coding, finding and combining data, and data compatibility. Hardware considerations include speed, storage…

Computer-aided facilities management is a software program consisting of a relational database of facility information--such as occupancy, usage, student counts, etc.--attached to or merged with computerized floor plans. This program can integrate data with drawings, thereby allowing the development of "what if" scenarios. (MLF)

An inhouse accounting program can increase the productivity and efficiency of the school business office. Discusses basic questions regarding software, hardware requirements, training, and obtaining staff support and cooperation. (MLF)