Northwestern University's Remote Information Query System (RIQS), an information storage and retrieval system characterized by a mixture of data structures for the internal record organization, is discussed. On-line and batch mode search capabilities handle both textual and quantitative information. Other system characteristics, capabilities and…

PMIS is a computer-based planning and management information system for local school districts. This report centers on the PMIS data bases that contain school system data by reviewing the major phases involved in their creation, explaining the factors that caused the unique orientation of the data bases, reviewing the two tasks that comprise the…

Four operational systems for searching and retrieving information from the ERIC data base are described. (NH)

A model for developing a data control system in an integrated management information system. (RA)

The authors found great discrepancies in the presentation of essentially similar bibliographic data, and offer some suggestions for mitigating the discrepancies by use of standards. (Author)

Describes a data bank system designed to assist in job placement of business administration graduates and provide for more efficient and effective school district personnel recruitment. (DE)

Discusses an open-ended, generalized programing system which eliminates the duplication of effort and materials in data collection, storage, and reporting that is common in most piecemeal-evolved current management systems. (DE)

The author explains why administration of human resources data systems will require personnel expertise and management skills in addition to technical database management abilities. He discusses the perfect database, responsibilities held by the human resources data administrator, and what skills this administrator must possess. (CT)

Provides survey questions designed to be used to gather information required in library decision-making process for selection of automated circulation system. User library profile, system profile, hardware and software profiles, interactive workload, service, staff support requirements, educational support, bibliographic/item database, patron…

Discussion of the process of library cataloging notes the 8th century cataloger, Alcuin; purpose of cataloging; bibliographic control; access to information; cataloging on OCLC; emphasis on the format in which cataloging information is communicated; lost precision; authority files; and recall versus precision. Seven references are included. (EJS)

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses compilation by the National Library of Canada of comprehensive and official national retrospective bibliography to provide a record of the published Canadian heritage. Scope (inclusion, exclusions, date, Canadiana--works published in Canada, by Canadians, or about Canada), bibliographic standards, publication, impact, and future plans…

Benefits associated with private file services offered by online system hosts in the United States and Europe are outlined, noting currently available services, private file design, file input, costs and charges, service comparisons, security, and videotex services. Three references are included. (EJS)

Issues having a possible impact on online search services in libraries are discussed including full text databases, front-end processors which translate user's input into the command language of an appropriate system, downloading to create personal files from commercial databases, and pricing. (EJS)

A survey of online searchers' perceptions of seven database vendors over 13 service-related characteristics resulted in DIALOG being ranked first for all attributes. A statistically significant relationship between overall preference and frequency of use was demonstrated, with reliability, variety, and flexibility the most highly ranked…