Reviews the development of online systems in science and technology from batch searching through the advent of multinational online services, describes the key technological components, and discusses the economics of online systems. (Author/FM)

Examines six steps inherent to development of in-house automated library system: (1) problem definition, (2) requirement specifications, (3) analysis of alternatives and solutions, (4, 5) design and implementation of hardware and software, and (6) evaluation. Practical method for comparing and weighting options is illustrated and explained. A…

Presents a formal approach to information systems development and outlines the components of a structured systems development methodology. The various stages of the methodology are then reviewed in light of experiences gained in three consultancy projects in developing countries. (Author/CLB)

This paper proposes a user designed system, HUC, intended to provide a single index and retrieval system covering all recorded knowledge and information capable of being retrieved from all modes of storage, from manual to the most sophisticated retrieval system. The concept integrates terminal hardware, software, and database structure to allow…

Discussion of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) that supports operational and managerial planning of automation projects covers challenges of library automation, evolution and scope of SDLC, lack of dissemination of SDLC literature within library and information science community, and corrective measures to meet library automation demands.…

Discusses the process of converting scientific knowledge into productive social forces. Information is presented on system-structured technology, technical processes, labor and plant productivity, and the life cycle of technological systems. (DB)

User perception of data importance and the economic feasibility of hardware and storage devices will determine the future direction of online systems. A retrieval system's functions are ultimately dictated by database design. Early online sytems were designed for bibliographic information limited to citations only using sequential files. When…

The formation of a partnership between the Internal Audit Department's EDP auditor and the Administrative Systems Team at the University of Southern California during the implementation of a student information system is discussed. Success in security, accountability, reliability, and credibility are obtainable through such a partnership.…

Describes capabilities and advantages of spreadsheet software, including its ability to perform "what-if" analysis quickly and easily. Also noted are additional advantages; applications, including use in the library environment; history and development; new-generation spreadsheets; and enhanced packaging in the near future. A spreadsheet…

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

Presents a four-stage hypothesis of information systems development based on computational capability, storage capability, communications capability, and effective voice input. Moore's Law and Mooers' Law are explained, the interface between the system and the user is discussed, and projections for the future are suggested. (21 references)…

Some of the economic and technological influences under which computing centers of the 1980s will have to operate are reviewed. Several strategies for hardware, software, and personnel management to cope with and to take advantage of in relation to a trend in changing costs are outlined. (Author/MLW)

Focusing on the need for information systems that provide faculty, staff, and students with open access to all necessary information resources, this paper begins by discussing the issues involved in developing such systems. A review of the traditional environment looks at the traditional centralized resources versus the current trend toward…

The impact of technical advances in computer hardware is examined. Size, cost, ease of use, expandability, and availability are discussed to help assess the impact of these advances on information systems. It is suggested that technology is making administrative computing economical and feasible. (Author/SF)

These proceedings present 3 invited papers, 65 submitted papers, and 17 presentations on work in progress that were given at the Fourth International Conference on Information Systems Development. The three invited papers are: "Information Systems Planning in Small Business" (Georgios Doukidis, Panagiotis Lybereas, Robert D. Galliers);…