This book discusses use of computers in the educational environment and provides some basic concepts and principles for making use of computers in an educational system. Some computer applications in instruction, pupil and staff records processing, and management and administrative decisionmaking are suggested, and a curriculum for computer…

This paper summarizes the contents, structure and possible uses of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) data file on military jobs in the 3 major services. In all, 170 specific career fields for enlisted men and 34 for officers are included in the data file, which also provides for converting the inquirer's personal…

This report describes the development of a teacher cost model for the Ontario secondary school system that allows educational officials, using a specified set of input information, to forecast the provincial wage-bill for a period of up to five years. The model is composed of two sub-models -- the teacher manpower sub-model and the teacher salary…

This study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of a computer-assisted tutorial (CAI) program in teaching the novice and transient user the procedures for conducting a search on The New York Times Information Bank. A two-part experiment was designed to compare the relative effectiveness of the CAI program and the printed instructions…

Describes and reports results of a project which used computer assisted instruction to teach public library users to search online databases directly. Tables of data provide information on the study participants; their reactions to the instruction both before and after a search session; and their attitudes toward paying for searches. (CLB)

Discusses the reasons behind the trend of distribution of public domain statistics by private, commercial agencies in the United States and Great Britain, identifies marketable materials and marketing strategies, and explores possible disadvantages in terms of the public good and the possibility that governments will no longer collect statistical…

Discusses the use of databases for research by undergraduates in the standard freshman research paper course. Explains how students were introduced to database operations and uses. Discusses some perceived problems and enumerates benefits of this program. (AEM)

Discusses importance of academic planning and describes a model-based decision support system for academic units in a university hierarchy. This system integrates macro-level decisions by examining individual departments' budgets to determine future plans. Quantitative techniques for forecasting change are reviewed, including use of spreadsheet…

Eight articles describing online retrieval service use in schools include: an overview based on a 1986 survey; descriptions of DIALOG; Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service, and BRS services for schools, and Pennsylvania's online library network; online training for library media specialists; and a selected annotated bibliography of online in schools.…

Reviews the research on the role, importance, and impact of the federal technical report literature, and summarizes some ambiguities and gaps in the research. Different approaches to conceptual and methodological issues are discussed, and a typology of technical reports is provided. (38 notes with references) (Author/CLB)

Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

Describes readiness activities which introduce telecommunications skills into the classroom. Computer activities and programs that simulate message writing and data retrieval are highlighted, and writing exercises that do not require computers are also included. Specific instructions are given for PFS readiness, a program which simulates an…

This five-article section discusses changes in the management of the school library resulting from use of the computer. Topics covered include data management programs (record keeping, word processing, and bibliographies); practical applications of a database; evaluation of "Circulation Plus" software; ergonomics and computers; and…

Critiques the InfoTrac system and its use in academic libraries in terms of journals covered by the index; indexing accuracy; ease of use and need for instruction; and effects on the research skills of students relying on the system. (CLB)

Introduces concept of the education utility (supplies clients with equipment and software to gain access to information in databases, computer programs, electronic mail networks) and explores methodologies that might be used to deliver services to subscribers, primarily schools. Potential uses of a utility and possible advantages and disadvantages…