Silverplatter's Electronic Reference Library (ERL) provides wide area network access to its databases using TCP/IP communications and client-server architecture. ERL has two main components: The ERL clients (retrieval interface) and the ERL server (search engines). ERL clients provide patrons with seamless access to multiple databases on multiple…

This paper contains the grant proposal and final report for a project conducted by the California State University at Northridge library to demonstrate online database searching and introduce the use of bibliographic management software to faculty and graduate students. Day-long, discipline-oriented seminars were planned to increase the…

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)

The use of a Computing Resource Centre featuring word processing, spreadsheet, and database management activities by a group of talented and gifted students in Maple Ridge, British Columbia resulted in a marked increase in the students' organizational and planning skills and also in the quality of their work. (CB)

Discusses a "silent menace" in school computer rooms--the potential misuse of databases containing student directories, teacher salary information, test scores, and other data. Describes administrative computer uses and possible abuses, including invasion of privacy, false correlations between data sets, and manipulation of data for questionable…

Describes the way a relational database management system manages a large historical data collection project. Shows that such databases are practical to construct. States that the programing tasks involved are not for beginners, but the rewards of having data organized are worthwhile. (GG)

Description of HyperCard focuses on uses for instructional designers and performance technologists. The theoretical background that includes cognitive psychology and futuristic thinking is presented, and three main uses of HyperCard are discussed: (1) as a database management program, (2) as a vehicle for implementing hypermedia, and (3) as an…

Discusses factors that should be considered when designing multiple-choice diagnostic tests for use with microcomputer systems. Item content and characteristics are described, presentation of feedback and results are examined, database management functions are discussed, and benefits for students with learning problems and physically disabled…

Describes the development of a menu driven database management program to handle online search statistics reporting requirements for the libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles. Advantages of the program are discussed, including cost effectiveness, autonomy of search service reports, meeting the special needs of individual…

Describes a project at the University of Guelph (Ontario) that combined both bibliographical and archival references in one large machine readable database to facilitate local history research. The description covers research tool creation, planning activities, system design, the database management system used, material selection, record…

Describes a scheme in the United Kingdom that coordinates geochemistry publications with a computerized geochemistry database. The database comprises not only data published in the journals but also the remainder of the pertinent data set. The discussion covers the database design; collection, storage and retrieval of data; and plans for future…

Describes a teacher support system which is a computer-based workstation that provides support for teachers and administrators by integrating teacher utility programs, instructional management software, administrative packages, and office automation tools. Hardware is described and software components are explained, including database managers,…

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…

Describes presentations made at a forum on automation, interlibrary loan (ILL), and document delivery sponsored by the Houston Area Library Consortium. Highlights include access versus ownership; software for ILL; fee-based services; automated management systems for ILL; and electronic mail and online systems for end-user-generated ILL requests.…