Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

This report includes a brief profile of the seminar and a series of comments by the participants. The profile reviews some of the major points that came up during the seminar: a summary of what is known or almost known about Management Information Systems (MIS); some of the core concepts which provide the basis for MIS research, development, and…

Argues that false assumptions about user needs implicit in methodologies for building information systems have resulted in inadequate and inflexible systems. Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology is examined as a useful alternative. Its fundamental features are described, and examples of models demonstrate how the methodology can facilitate…