Reviews the development of secondary information services in the arts and humanities, discusses the services currently provided and the usage levels for those services, outlines some of the problems associated with online databases in the humanities, and considers some probable future developments. A 5-item reference list is included. (JL)

Describes the online version of Comprehensive Dissertation Index as it is searchable through the DIALOG system. File content, searchable indexes, and particular features of the file such as online sorting of retrieved citations and text backup are discussed. Accompanying the text are 13 figures illustrating system features and two sample searches.…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system at the elementary school level in which pupils can access information by subject, author, or title as in a standard card catalog. (CHC)

After reviewing some concepts and principles for effective data management, the author applies the concepts to nurse staffing systems for the management of human resources. He defines a seven-step process for establishing a management information system, from defining the management objective to implementing the system. (Author/CT)

Reports a survey conducted by the Bibliographical Center for Research to determine the extent of variations for entering local data on the part of BCR OCLC libraries. The results are presented along with a discussion of alternative practices and their impact on the processing of OCLC tapes. References are included. (Author/RAA)

Describes a contract between the reference service of a library system in Illinois and a commercial supplier of information in Berkeley, California, to provide the answers to 200 reference questions for a flat rate of $6000. The contract, considered the first of its kind, successfully relieved a current reference overload. (RAA)

Reviews research on the design and use of languages for computer programing, information retrieval, and user interaction with computers, and suggests designing interface programs to help users at all proficiency levels, since no single computer language can meet all information retrieval tasks for everyone. Twenty sources are listed. (RBF)

The Maritime Research Information Service (MRIS), sponsored by the Maritime Administration and operated by the Transportation Research Board, distributes information to the maritime industry through monthly and semiannual publications, special bibliographies, computerized retrievals, and online retrieval directly through the Lockheed Dialog…

Describes the data management and analysis system of the Lexington (Massachusetts) Public Schools. Discusses the system's database, data dictionary, and end user language and gives examples of the system's use in answering questions about school closings. (RW)

Describes the goals and philosophy of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), and notes the services offered by the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), which uses Stanford University's BALLOTS program as the technological base of the bibliographic network. (CWM)

Describes the instructional development of a course for advanced finance students on the use of data files and/or databases for solving complex finance problems. Areas covered include course goals and the design. The course class schedule and sample learning assessment assignments are provided. (JD)

Described is the Instructional Improvement Information Service (IIIS) database which provides information concerning instructional improvement activities, including project evaluations and printed matter such as lab manuals and tests to users at colleges and universities throughout California as well as a few other states. (TG)

Speculates on unanticipated effects brought about by the application of online sytems and databases to library services. Concern is voiced about the development of a technological library elite, the growth of research dependency, the limiting of the availability of books and journals, and the narrowing of serendipity in research. (RAA)

Provides citations and annotations of basic information sources for selected aspects of online databases and services, as well as suggestions on where and how to make professional contacts with groups and associations in the field. This is the first "outing" of the journal's new column on online services. (JD)

Describes the machine readable database of bibliographic information pertaining to the mental health of Hispanics living in the United States, developed by the Spanish Speaking Mental Health Research Center of the University of California, Los Angeles. Topics covered include the system's history, citation sources, vocabulary control, and services.…