Discussion of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) focuses on its applicability to computer records. Agency practices to ensure access to information are considered; requests, litigation, and administrative appeals that have helped clarify the FOIA are described; and computer software, electronic mail, computer programing, and requested formats…

Discussion of electronic information products for the humanities focuses on users in Italy. Databases are discussed; a user survey of La Sapienza University Arts Faculty is described; an example of research using two databases, FRANCIS and Philosopher's Index, is given; and Italian products and projects for the humanities are reviewed. (15…

Discusses how electronic encyclopedias on compact disk provide children with a way to meet their data management needs and to develop their literacy capabilities. Discusses how information is stored and retrieved. Discusses how children actually use the electronic encyclopedia and the future of electronic information retrieval. (MG)

Discussion of the use of databases to improve students' thinking skills focuses on a database developed for teaching world geography to middle school and high school students. Research on developing information processing skills is discussed, a sample unit in the world geography project is presented, and results of field testing are described.…

Describes an automated interlibrary loan request routing and referral system made available to U.S. biomedical libraries by the National Library of Medicine. The description covers the databases used and the systems modules that support various functions. The current status of the system and possible future developments are discussed. (six…

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Evaluates TRADEMARKSCAN image retrieval using DIALOGLINK communications software. Factors discussed include TRADEMARKSCAN's composition, retrieval methods, file size, downloading and printing time and costs, and database applications. Software requirements and functions relevant to image retrieval are also discussed, and suggestions for…

Describes the components of a hypertext system and discusses possible applications from the model of hypertext as a writer plus reader phenomenon. The role of semantic nets is described within the context of both the writer and the reader, and the relevance of hypertext techniques to computer software and expert systems is discussed. (42…

Reviews the development process of the TouchSource authoring system, which has been designed for use in developing touchscreen information directories using interactive videodisc. Topics discussed include authoring languages; the compatibility of interactive videodisc systems; hardware considerations; menu creation and design; database functions;…

Describes the development and current status of a campus-wide computer network at Brown University. Topics discussed include the principles that guided network development; services available through the network; current structure of the network; and university support for the network. (CLB)

Describes the Context Information System, a prototype retrieval system designed for online searching in an educational environment. Use of the system in Israeli high schools to encourage the development of research skills is discussed, emphasizing the use of databases for hypothesis testing and comparative analysis of data. (six references) (LRW)

Two articles describe the experiences of Loyola University of Chicago and Texas A&M libraries with locally mounted online databases under the same user interface as the online catalog. The Multiple Database Access System (MDAS) offered by NOTIS is explained, its impact on the libraries is described, and student and faculty reactions are…

Describes educational applications for Hypercard, a new piece of software for Apple Macintosh microcomputers. Highlights include programing languages; the development of databases; school media center applications; telecomputing possibilities; use in research activities; and the need for Macintosh computers and educational software in elementary…

Nearly every discipline in the humanities appears to have been touched by computers is the consensus from a conference on computers and the humanities held in Toronto. Computerized concordances, studies on language evolution, identifying archaeological finds, video images and audio in databases are discussed. (MLW)

Eleven articles introduce expert systems applications in library and information science, and present design and implementation issues of system development for reference services. Topics covered include knowledge based systems, prototype development, the use of artificial intelligence to remedy current system inadequacies, and an expert system to…