An analysis to ascertain which electronic data processing (EDP) systems are most flexible in processing wide ranges of volumes efficiently. A simulation model of the job environment of three common EDP systems provides information on the shape of their cost functions in the neighborhood of optimality. (Author/LS)

This paper provides a brief history of computers. It explains basic computer principles and compares computer capabilities. Subjects such as input/output, binary logic, storage, and cost are also discussed. (Author)

Data from a brief survey of current and potential uses of minicomputers in small educational institutions suggests that the principal role of minicomputers in such institutions will be for school administration and for teaching the use of computers. In the instructional area, emphasis should be placed on teaching (1) the potentials and…

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT WAS TO IDENTIFY AND DEFINE THE PARAMETERS OF AN ECONOMICAL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE U.S. ARMY ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES. THE PROGRAM INCLUDED FOUR PHASES--(1) DATA REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION, (2) COST ANALYSIS AND SYSTEM DEFINITION, (3) HARDWARE SELECTION, SYSTEM TEST AND EVALUATION, AND…

The main problem considered in this project is whether it will be possible for civilization to cope with the increasing quantities of archival information that must be stored in libraries, and if so, whether traditional methods of identification and access will prove adequate to the task. It is concluded that unless the storage, transmission, and…

This is a collection of papers presented at an annual conference of the College and University Systems Exchange (CAUSE). Thirty-one papers are reproduced in their entirety and 39 are presented as abstracts. Of the 31 complete papers, 12 have been individually abstracted for "Resources in Education" (RIE). The major topics of the…

Relative cost and effectiveness of techniques for preparing a computer compatible data base consisting of approximately one million words of natural language are outlined. Considered are dollar cost, ease of editing, and time consumption. Facility for insertion of identifying information within the text, and updating of a text by merging with…

The ERIC network conversion to an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) mode of data entry was studied to analyze the potential effectiveness of OCR data entry for future EPC/s (Editorial Processing Centers). Study results are also applicable to any other system involving decentralized bibliographic data capture and conversion functions. The report…

The feasibility of using a centralized data processing facility to sever a large group of secondary schools and the capabilities of two alternative systems were investigated. The population to be served included 100,000 students in grades 9-14 attending 50 schools in an area having a hundred mile radius. Service requirements were defined to…

A SET OF GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING A REPLICA OF A PROTOTYPE SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI) SYSTEM TESTED AT U.S. ARMY NATICK LABORATORIES, AND REPORTED IN LI 000 273, IS GIVEN IN THIS MANUAL. INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED WHICH IS USEFUL IN THE INITIAL STAGES OF IMPLEMENTATION. THE APPLICATION OF SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR…

Batch mode processing is compared, using cost-effectiveness, with on-line processing for computer-aided searching of chemical abstracts. Consideration for time, need, coverage, and adaptability are found to be the criteria by which a searcher selects a method, and sometimes both methods are used. There is a tradeoff between batch mode's slower…

Two questions arise in regard to the computer-based humanities reference services: (1) What knowledge, abilities, and attitudes should the information specialist or librarian in the university library have in order to aid users in fully exploiting the innovative humanities information handling processes? (2) To what extent do users in the…

A comparison of costs for computer-based searching of Psychological Abstracts and Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) systems by the New York State Library at Albany was produced by combining data available from search request forms and from bills from the contract subscription service, the State University of New…

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing a reporting system, the National Vocational Education Reporting and Accounting System (VEDS), for secondary vocational education in Wisconsin. As proposed by the National Center for Educational Statistics, the VEDS system is a comprehensive information collection package to provide…