A Data Element Dictionary/Directory (DED/D) is a software tool that is used to control and manage data elements in a uniform manner. It can serve data base administrators, systems analysts, software designers, and programmers by providing a central repository for information about data resources across organization and application lines. This…

A methodology for categorically describing computer-based information systems was developed and applied to six university-based, NSF-supported systems. The systems under study all operate as retail information cneters primarily serving campus communities by accessing large commercially-available data bases using 3rd generation computer…