The Information Sciences section of ITT Research Institute (IITRI) has developed a Computer Search Center and is currently conducting a research project to explore computer searching of a variety of machine-readable data bases. The Center provides Selective Dissemination of Information services to academic, industrial and research organizations…

Information centers exist to provide information from machine-readable data bases to users in industry, universities and other organizations. The computer Search Center of the IIT Research Institute was designed with a number of variables and uncertainties before it. In this paper, the author discusses how the Center was designed to enable it to…

Defends choice of abstracting service and directories as two types of reference tools for use in establishing bibliographic control over new discipline or interdisciplinary area as yet devoid of reference materials. Attributes of abstracting service (provision of current-awareness) and directory (lists organizations in field) are discussed.…

Discusses the benefits of using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM for SDI (selective dissemination of information) in developing countries like India, and describes a method of running an SDI service automatically using two Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) software programs called Stackey and Batutil. (Author/LRW)

Using statistical stereotypes may be a means of improving the effectiveness of information-filtering systems that are based on user profiles. Highlights include information and expert systems that use stereotypes, assigning users to stereotypes, integrating stereotypes into a model for information filtering, and future research. (Author/LRW)

Explores risks for higher education and democracy that accompany technology-enabled personalization of information. Asserts that these institutions need people to have "unanticipated encounters" with information and a range of "common experiences." (EV)

Explores the ways in which librarians keep up to date through the use of professional literature. Several current awareness services--bulletins, newsletters, table of contents services, bibliographies, and book reviews--are described, and the role of the popular library press is discussed. It is concluded that a more coherent current awareness…

NASA interviewed users of its scientific and technical information system in order to assess the usefulness of the present system and to find ways to make it more effective. Emphasis was on announcement and current awareness services, the publication program, and the interactive retrieval system. (Author/LS)

This paper describes how two small non-profit libraries successfully computerized their periodical record and routing systems. The steps required in gaining acceptance of the idea, planning, designing, installing, and perfecting each system are included. The Population Council library, whose clerical staff was formerly responsible for manually…

Document delivery support for selective dissemination of information (SDI) services provided by the Center for Information Services, University of California at Los Angeles, was measured by the following: (1) Obtaining copies of all steady-state SDI searches from Biological Abstracts'"BA Previews" data base delivered to the University of…

User needs studies often present figures indicating that documentation services systems which rely on the mails are inherently incapable of effectively supporting more than half of all research and development tasks. In addition to investigating faster ways of transmitting information, DDC has also been developing and testing systems based on…

Automation of a table of contents service at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing Library using dBase III facilitates matching patrons with journals. The program is also used for journal check-in and mailing labels. Future applications may include production of a journal holdings list, statistics, and reporting. (21 references) (MES)

The Selective Dissemination Project at a regional medical education center followed a two-and-a-half day continuing education program with related bibliographies at one- and three-month intervals, as well as information on finding the articles in the local library. Evaluations of the service by participating physicians and librarians showed that…

Presents list of sources providing information about reference uses of databases emphasizing those which are commercially available and issues and developments in online database searching. Citations to introductory textbooks, other useful monographs, journal articles, bibliographies, periodicals, directories, professional groups, conferences,…