This first in a series of articles outlines general requirements (flexibility, compatibility and control, response time and volume, searching, data entry); functional requirements (acquisitions, circulation, departmental subscriptions, internal and external reports, interlibrary loan, journals/serials, codes, patron); and use of the data…

Lists 17 ERIC database references selected from 1983-84 issues of "Resources in Education" and "Current Index to Journals in Education," which indicate breadth of coverage on topic of one-parent family. Divorce, single fathers, working mothers, single-parent students, and day care are covered. Availability and purchasing…

Examines online searching done for public libraries during October 1984 at The System Reference Service of the multitype North Suburban Library System. Highlights include total requests searched online, total public library requests searched online (by subject category), samples of successful and unsuccessful public library searches, databases…

Compares OCLC, WLN, and RLIN in terms of the composition of the databases, indexes and searching, special uses for public services, costs, and documentation. Selected bibliographies of general public service uses and interlibrary loan applications are provided. (CLB)

This annotated bibliography contains citations for over 70 recently published journal articles, reports, and monographs on the subject of optical disks. Items are arranged alphabetically by author with annotations plus additional notes where appropriate. (CLB)

This review of the events leading to a planned materials information system in Europe focuses on national policies and actions the Commission of the European Communities. Recommendations issued by a 1982 workshop are discussed, and the objectives and development of a planned demonstrator program are outlined. (11 references) (CLB)

A description of the EPA/NIH (Environmental Protection Agency/National Institutes of Health) Chemical Information System provides background for a discussion of the management of the system by public agencies; problems which led to the decision to transfer the system of the private sector; and the current status of the database. (CLB)

Since the summer 1984 a consortium of seven diverse colleges and universities has been involved in implementing a value-added approach to assessing student progress and development. The most significant finding of this collaborative project was the importance of having a good institutional database on students. (MLW)

Describes and compares three versions of the ERIC database that are available on optical data disks: (1) DIALOG OnDisc ERIC; (2) OCLC Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter ERIC. The database contents, software and search commands, hardware requirements, notable features, and costs of each version are discussed. (CLB)

Briefly describes DIALOG OnDisc and gives an example of an actual search of the ERIC database using this system. The screen displays and search commands are used to illustrate the differences between the easy menu search method provided for novice users and the command search method provided for experienced users. (CLB)

There are two basic approaches offered in current computerized transportation routing and scheduling programs: the mathematical programming approach and the intuitive optimization approach. Lists questions that an informed buyer should ask of the routing and scheduling company. (MLF)

Finland has developed a national computerized database containing information on the performance and costs of universities for use in internal and Ministry of Education decision making. National evaluation of different research fields is also part of the performance evaluation system. (MSE)

The origin and evolution of management programs at Stanford University Medical Center that have proven instrumental in guiding the implementation of a cost-effective microcomputer workstation environment are described. (Author/MLW)

The paper details advantages of microcomputer-based assessment with moderately and severely handicapped individuals over conventional print instruments. Noted advantages include improved accuracy, less time-consuming, greater flexibility, and the potential for information database development and regional systematic programing. One such…

This article analyzes the front end software marketplace and discusses some of the complex forces influencing it. Discussion covers intermediary market; end users (library customers, scientific and technical professionals, corporate business specialists, consumers); marketing strategies; a British front end development firm; competitive pressures;…