Description of "Decision-Analyst," microcomputer software tool designed to analyze complex decisions involving many alternatives, highlights step-by-step approach, documentation, microcomputer requirements, and purchasing information. Two microcomputer users' groups (Apple Computer, Microcomputer Users Group for Libraries in North…

Reports on educational information services developed by the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Education Service Group (ESG): School Practices Information Network (SPIN) and School Practices Information File (SPIF). Background and history of the services, a description of each service, and illustrative material are provided. (EJS)

Describes expert systems and discusses their use in libraries. Highlights include parts of an expert system; expert system shells; an example of how to build an expert system; a bibliography of 34 sources of information on expert systems in libraries; and a list of 10 expert system shells used in libraries. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discusses the very limited information sources currently available to microcomputer users, including computer salespersons, user support groups, and computer books, and suggests that the newly emerging hotline-style computer advisory services may be able to provide the accurate answers and expert advice not easily available elsewhere. (MBR)

Discussion of potential library applications for microcomputers focuses on effective software and professional system design practices and describes OCLC projects involving microcomputers to illustrate their use as a stand-alone unit, back-up system, interface device, and an enhancement mechanism. Additional sources of information on microcomputer…

Guidelines for selecting/buying educational software are discussed under the following headings: educational soundness; appropriateness; challenge and progress; motivation and reward; correctness; compatibility with systems; instructions and handlings. Includes several sources of software reviews. (JN)

Provides general information on currently available microcomputers, computer programs (software), hardware requirements, software sources, costs, computer games, and programing. Includes a list of popular microcomputers, providing price category, model, list price, software (cassette, tape, disk), monitor specifications, amount of random access…

Using a question/answer format, responds to some of the most common concerns and problems faced by newcomers to the use of computers in developmental education. Considers questions about hardware and software selection, explains basic terminology, and lists resources for further information. (DMM)

Describes six nontraditional online information sources and discusses how they could be used for library services or professional development: (1) ISAAC (Information System for Advanced Academic Computing); (2) NCIN (North Carolina Information Network); (3) Prodigy; (4) The Well (Whole Earth Lectronic Link); (5) America Online (AOL); and (6)…

Reviews factors that have delayed use of expert system authoring tools in education and describes applications of two such tools--Expert-Ease and M.1.--to special education. Learning to use the tools, creating programs, and consulting the systems are the topics covered. Sources for further information on expert systems are provided. (MBR)

A practical review of seven software directories is performed by comparing indexes, entry composition, subject classifications, and coverage overlap. The bibliographic control of microcomputer software and 13 microcomputer software directories published since 1980 are highlighted. (EJS)

Presented are sources of information on a wide range of topics related to microcomputers in general and chemistry in particular. Sources described include "Journal of Chemical Education,""Collegiate Microcomputer,""SIAM News,""Creative Computing,""Byte," and others. Types of articles/information found in these publications are briefly considered.…

Many aspects of computer managed instruction (CMI) are discussed in this paper which focuses on the use of computer technology to support teachers in their efforts to provide effective instruction. The nature of instructional management is explained and links to microcomputer capabilities are established. Microcomputer hardware and software…

A variety of articles address the use of communications in development, including (1) "Policy Considerations in Global Telecommunications" (Sandra Lauffer); (2) "Sharing Information for Rehabilitation in the Third World" (M. Miles); (3) "Growing More Rice in Sierra Leone: Baseline Survey Guides Media Campaign" (Gary…

Discusses public and private funding sources for schools that need additional money to fund computer projects, providing a list of 11 such sources (complete addresses included). Also discusses ways to locate successfully funded projects. Suggests getting support from parents, civic groups, and the business community. (JN)