For nearly a decade and a half, the California State University and Colleges has operated a distributed processing computing network with interconnected computer installations on all campuses. A new technologically advanced network that will deliver top-quality computing to students, faculty members, and administrators is described. (MLW)

The planning, management, and evaluation system is discussed as an effective aid for academic decision makers during a period of retrenchment for higher education institutions. (Author/SF)

A new machine records system designed for the McMaster University's Office of the Registrar is described. The new system uses data received from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, as well as data received directly from applicants. Effective use of the computer allows staff more time for counseling and providing information. (MLW)

Describes a prototype automated collection analysis system developed at OCLC that allows a library to compare its collection with both predefined and evaluator defined peer groups. Eight library applications for such comparisons are listed, and the system design goals and areas needing further development are discussed. (five references)…

Describes the development of a union catalog system on optical data disks for scientific libraries in Milan. The characteristics of the system and the reasons for its creation are discussed, and a normal work session is illustrated. (Author/CLB)

Describes the development of a computer assisted instruction (CAI) package for use in teaching basic aspects of legal research. The discussion covers implementation of effective CAI techniques, identification of learning principles applicable to the design of the program, and the feasibility of converting practical aspects of learning principles…

Describes the development of a machine readable reference information file at the University of California at Los Angeles. The discussion covers factors affecting the database structure, the use of a sophisticated text management system to enter data onto microcomputers, and possible future implementations of the reference information system. (16…

Describes the development of systems thinking and the form taken in the study of work and organizations. Discusses some criticisms from social scientists. Explores the relationship among systems, interdisciplinarity, and engineering education. (Author/YP)

Discusses the necessity of interdisciplinary and systems approaches in engineering education for analyzing complex issues. Presents several recent problems. (YP)

Recommends systems subjects as part of college curricula for providing students with broader skills and with background that does not become outdated. Topics included are requirements of a basic examination, cooperation with other professionals, and examples of systems technologies and interdisciplinary research. (Author/YP)

Argues that systems thinking can be developed by experiential learning activities which complement both intradisciplinary projects and technical knowledge inputs. Discusses the development of systems thinking, the form of engineering curricula, and assessment. (Author/YP)

Discusses how the World-Wide Web (WWW) can be linked to the PAT system, a search engine supporting access to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) encoded documents. Technical concepts are reviewed, and the operation of a PAT-to-Web gateway is explained using examples of how it is employed. (JKP)

Describes a study of the culture of collaboration in the accounting industry. Topics include previous research on collaboration in organic organizational contexts, information gathering collaboration, knowledge giving and getting, accountability sharing, trust sharing, transboundary communication, information technology, and implications for…

Discusses the role of university media centers and describes a spreadsheet reporting system for media services developed at Fairfield University (Connecticut). The need to revise the reporting system resulting from a growth in media services is discussed, and cooperation with an information system analyst to develop a new system is described. (LRW)

The Educational Quality Indicators initiative, a 3-year collaboration between Alberta Education and 12 school districts, generated 10 action research projects that developed educational indicator systems with a broad range of student outcomes, methods of data collection and interpretation, and outcomes reporting. Field testing of these systems…