Starting from a sociological standpoint, this article proposes an alternative to the conventional type of information system for the social sciences. Analysis of existing systems, and the construction of a new system are included. (Author/MBR)

A theoretica l approach to the problem of converting printed bibliographic records to machine readable form is developed based on principles of systems analysis. (Author)

Describes the motivating reasons for a systematic approach to the specification, design, and development of information systems, and surveys some of the methods developed to assist software specification and design. Ways that system development organizations can create and use such techniques are emphasized. (Author/FM)

An analytical model for a cost-effectiveness approach to the journal disposition problem is presented. An example based on data from a real university special library situation is presented. (Author/PF)

This concise survey of the vast literature currently available in field-of-systems thinking and cybernetics discusses the areas of systems philosophy, systems analysis (mathematical systems theory), empirical systems research, and systems engineering, and outlines contributions of selected scholars. A bibliography of 148 books and papers is…

A taxonomy for modeling information systems is presented. Epistemology is used as a prescriptive modeling basis and it is shown how the different models can be made scientifically operational by using a special kind of systems analysis. Results of a preliminary experiment based on one of the models are presented. (60 references) (Author/KE)

Identifies information specialists who employ systems methodology and discusses the modern systems movement, its role in the changing world view of science, disciplines (cybernetics and operations research) that have contributed to its development, and distinctions between General Systems Theory and other approaches to the study of systems.…

Examines the relationship between users' expertise, task complexity of information system use, and artificial intelligence to provide the basis for a conceptual framework for considering the role that artificial intelligence might play in information systems. Cognitive and conceptual models are discussed, and cost effectiveness is considered. (27…

Overview of issues concerning computer-monitored data for research in communication and information science includes a description of systems and kinds of data possible; uses of data; advantages of and problems with computer-monitored data and collection; prior research using computer-monitored data; prospects for future research. A 111-item…

An analysis of computer-based search services (ISSs) from a system's viewpoint, using a continuous simulation model to reveal growth and stagnation of a typical system is presented, as well as an analysis of decision making for an ISS. (Author/MBR)

Cites representative extensions of concept of entropy (measure of the amount of energy unavailable for useful work; from the second law of thermodynamics) noting basic relationships between entropy, order, information, and meaning in such disciplines as biology, economics, information science, the arts, and religion. Seventy-eight references are…

Experiments studying the ability of catalog information to indicate the relevance and utility of documents by an analysis of the four main content indicating fields, e.g., the title, abstract, subject index phrases, and matching subject phrases are presented with data analysis. (Author/MBR)