This guide to searching for "America: History and Life," a bibliographic database offering resources on topics in social sciences, humanities, and arts in the United States and Canada, covers subject scope, selection and coverage, document types and records, combined entries, subject indexing, personal names, geographic names, historical periods,…

Description of NOMAD, a database management system with flexibility and "friendly" design in use at the Bank of America library, focuses on costs, objectives, database structure, access, and its use to create an automated book catalog and spending reports. Six references are included. (EJS)

Brief discussion of state-of-the-art of modeling complex information systems distinguishes between macrolevel and microlevel modeling of such systems. Network layout and hierarchical system models, simulation, information acquisition and dissemination, databases and information storage, and operating systems are described and assessed. Thirty-four…

Discusses the importance of machine-readable data files (MRDF) in social sciences reference exchange and provides examples of their use in typical library settings. Access to and available MRDF are described. Nine references are included. (EJS)

Overview of the federal statistical system covers the central coordinating office, data access policy, "Directory of Federal Statistical Data Files," and effect of technology on data use. Source documents which aid in assessing social statistics are listed. A sample abstract from the directory and six references are appended. (EJS)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Describes an APL implementation of a relational database system suitable for use in a teaching environment in which database development and database administration are studied, and discusses the functions of the user and the database administrator. An appendix illustrating system operation and an eight-item reference list are attached. (Author/JL)

Describes a videodisc-based information display system in which a computer terminal is used to search the online PATSEARCH database from a remote host with local microcomputer control to select and display drawings from the retrieved records. System features and system components are discussed and criteria for system evaluation are presented.…

Evaluates overlapping coverage of 21 scientific databases used in 10 online pesticide searches in an attempt to identify minimum number of databases needed to generate 90 percent of unique, relevant citations for given search. Comparison of searches combined under given pesticide usage (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) is discussed. Nine…

Describes and evaluates the computerized training information system in use at New England Telephone Company. The system consists of a set of training records stored in four databases which can be used for summarizing and forecasting training course information. (JJD)

Describes the Student Scheduling and Tracking System (SSTS), which is a computerized student record database used in Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama. The microcomputer-based system is used in report card preparation, student scheduling, and maintaining current student records. (JJD)

Identifies research tools comprising a wide variety of materials from many disciplines which are available for exploring changes in educational aspirations among twentieth century females in the United States. A comprehensive list of these tools is provided and problems involved in accessing and using them are discussed. (EJS)

Explanation of enhancements of a new version of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--originally called BALLOTS-- focuses on reference applications of what is primarily a technical processing system, e.g., complementing searches, verification, union catalog, and interlibrary loan. Illustrative examples are provided. (EJS)

The low rate of relevant titles (fewer than 50 percent) retrieved by online searching of keywords in titles in study conducted at the Mechanized Information Center, Ohio State University, is attributed to three sources: titles themselves, user ignorance of subject vocabulary, and general language problems. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

Summarizes automation of a specialized library at Apple Computer, Inc., describing software packages chosen for the following functions: word processing/text editing; cataloging and circulation; reference; and in-house databases. Examples of each function and additional sources of information on software and equipment mentioned in the article are…