An overview of what is available in energy management systems, tips for writing specifications, and pitfalls to avoid. (MLF)

Discusses the multilevel information system (MLIS), a retrieval system that integrates functions typical for database management systems and retrieval-oriented systems and provides several levels of data accessing, each developed for a different class of users. Twenty-two sources are cited. (FM)

Suggests that catalogs of the future, as facilitated by computer technology, should take on multiple formats. Three levels of varying form and size are envisioned for the needs and uses of the librarian, the general user, and the individual user. (Author/RAA)

The author states that computer program development is simply extension's program development process focused on computer applications, and that extension personnel, the end-product users, can design computer programs to meet their own needs. He discusses principles of systems analysis and design, training, implementation, and evaluation. (MF)

The development of information systems using an engineering approach that uses both traditional programing techniques and fourth generation software tools is described. Fourth generation applications tools are used to quickly develop a prototype system that is revised as the user clarifies requirements. (MLW)

Describes the development by Gould, Inc., S.E.L. Computer Systems Division, of an Information Management Package (IMP-32) for use in administration of the company's technical information center. Designing the system, the programs which are components of the system, and system functions are discussed. Included are eight figures illustrating system…

Clemson University has developed techniques and procedures to assist in the construction and maintenance of administrative systems. Procedures as well as the tools and techniques used by all systems are discussed: online report request software, online user table maintenance software, report supervisor and report writer software, etc. (Author/MLW)

Defines in detail the three levels of IBM compatibility--operational, data, and MS-DOS--and also examines 16-bit microprocessors and the MS-DOS operating system, both of which play key roles in determining whether a given machine will run IBM software. (MBR)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Describes a systems development process to organize and report the data needed to prepare a microcomputer program for evaluating library instruction programs in high school libraries and media centers. A flow chart illustrating the sample program and seven references are included. (JL)

Defines in general terms the nature of computers, describes the various types of computers, discusses the characteristics and applications of the types of computers mentioned, reviews some basic facts about computer technology and computer hardware, and outlines a set of options for libraries considering acquiring a computer system. (JL)

Software collection development recommendations from principals and educational computing specialists focus on district control of software collections, budgeting, what to purchase (e.g., games versus educational programs), computer literacy, and computers as time savers for instructors. Recommended software programs are profiled, and an annotated…

Some of the economic and technological influences under which computing centers of the 1980s will have to operate are reviewed. Several strategies for hardware, software, and personnel management to cope with and to take advantage of in relation to a trend in changing costs are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Describes the use of a graduate student in computer science to develop an automated fiscal reporting system to handle budgetary problems associated with funded research projects at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. The roles of graduate students, faculty members, and system users in the project are described. (Author/JL)

Explores the development of the systems architecture designed to meet problems identified by an evaluation of management information systems in Minnesota elementary, secondary, and vocational (ESV) education. Now a component of the long-range state plan for ESV information systems, the architecture integrates hardware, application systems, and…