Recent, far-reaching developments in the provision and retrieval of educational information in the United Kingdom are described, focusing on changes to an established research tool, the British Education Index, and the new British Education Thesaurus, modeled on the ERIC Thesaurus. Technological advancements are also considered. (Author/MSE)

Describes the experiences of four library automation projects that involved multitype library networks. Areas discussed include forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library marketplace, the increasing complexity and interrelationships of automated systems and the profound impact of such systems on libraries. (CLB)

Examines optical data disk online databases as an alternative to dial access online databases and concludes that optical data disk systems are overpriced, undersized, technologically dull, and often deceptively packaged. Eight responses to the article by selected readers are provided. (CLB)

Discusses three different types of databases: utility database programs, add-on databases, and stand-alone databases. Describes how databases motivate students' reading and writing. (MM)

Discusses the use of numeric machine readable data files (MRDFs) in educational research. Three areas are addressed: MRDFs that deal specifically with educational topics and processes; the use of general databases, such as the 1990 census, by educational researchers; and the use of the new Integrated Postsecondary Educational System database to…

Two articles describe computerized reference systems created for college libraries in New York (Cornell and SUNY Binghamton) and at the University of Virginia, respectively. (TE)

Describes the criteria used by optical disk (CD-ROM) database publishers to select test sites; the responsibilities of and benefits to test site libraries; and plans for future use of test sites. The experiences of Texas A&M University are discussed and suggestions are offered to libraries wishing to become test sites. (CLB)

Discussion of software evaluation for computer assisted instruction focuses on the Computer Courseware Evaluation Model (CCEM), developed at the University of South Florida. Criteria for reliability and validity are discussed, and areas of concern in software are addressed, including cost and presentation characteristics, instructional…

This content analysis identifies trends in the kinds of research being conducted on gifted education. Major findings focus on: research reports as a percentage of the total literature, qualities of various computerized databases, varying topics of concern in non-research versus research literature, most frequently researched group, and most common…

Describes the functions of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is an international clearinghouse for agricultural information. The discussion focuses on the information formats provided by the agency and the dissemination channels used for FAO information. Lists of finding aids for FAO materials and libraries…

If the instructional process is to be more effective, schools and districts should establish a computerized curriculum database that can easily be accessed by educators in schools throughout the district. Such a program would allow teachers to facilitate curriculum management and plan instruction without using traditional curriculum guides.…

Discusses the effect of including relevance data on the calculation of term discrimination values in bibliographic databases. Algorithms that calculate the ability of index terms to discriminate between relevant and non-relevant documents are described and tested. The results are discussed in terms of the relationship between term frequency and…

Describes the design and operation of a system that resulted from a project undertaken by a small specialized library to provide self-help for patrons seeking reference assistance. The areas of information available on the system are described, including standard reference titles, library holdings and services, reserve readings, and placement…

Discusses the problems involved in assigning descriptors to works of art for online museum catalogs. The topics covered include the subjectivity of the analysis of art, factors that affect the cataloging of museum collections, and the online systems developed by various museums. (17 references) (CLB)

Describes the use of a highly parallel array processor for pattern matching operations in a bibliographic retrieval system. The discussion covers the hardware and software features of the processor, the pattern matching algorithm used, and the results of experimental tests of the system. (37 references) (Author/CLB)