The computer is seen as a powerful tool that offers great potential for administrators in tertiary institutions. The impact of the computer on processing data, database concept, computer communication, utilization of operations data for analytical reports, use of management science tools, and evolution in administrative data processing are…

Discusses the Vocabulary Switching System (VSS), an experimental, automated switching system, which specifically addresses the problems of heterogeneous database vocabularies and indexes and the difficulty these pose for users who wish to combine more than one database in a single online search. (CWM)

Examines the workings of the existing system of computer data bases for technical and scientific information in the United States and raises questions about developing a public national information network. (JMF)

Union catalogs and distributed search systems are two ways users can locate materials in print and electronic formats. This article examines the advantages and limitations of both approaches and argues that they should be considered complementary rather than competitive. Discusses technologies creating linkage between catalogs and databases and…

A study of five undergraduates in an introductory course on Greek culture identified novice problem-solving patterns and cognitive processes when using Perseus, a Greek culture database. Discusses the Reading-Linking-to-Writing Model developed to capture procedural and systemic processes used in problem-solving tasks with hypermedia applications.…

A longitudinal program evaluation approach used in the Vermont system of care for children and adolescents is described. The method focuses on movement between residential placements and compares system functioning to service system values using a person-level longitudinal database. This methodology can be useful in a number of fields. (SLD)

Assesses the current state of reference structures in online public access catalogs (OPACs) in a framework defined by stagnation, progress, and future challenges. Outlines six areas for reference structure development. Twenty figures provide illustrations. (AEF)

Examines the different concepts and orientations of the two major approaches to the role of metadata in the digital library (library science-oriented bibliographic control and computer science-oriented data management), and proposes an integrated concept of metadata to facilitate the merging of these two approaches. Discusses ongoing efforts to…

Key architecture reference sites are highlighted and discussed and grouped into the following areas: directory and biographical information, bibliographical databases, architectural education, product information, databases of buildings, and search engines. (Author)

Proposes an approach to information technology (IT) skills instruction for library and information science students which starts with databases and software, moves on to spreadsheets, and then considers graphics and word processing. This encourages students to consider information first, and then to progress to tools for its analysis and…

Describes a study conducted at Baruch College of the City University of New York that assessed the search techniques of trained endusers and determined whether or not they were searching the full-text system effectively. Correlations between native language and searching results and satisfaction are shown, and implications for training are…

Summarizes how the Library of Congress' digital library collections can be accessed globally via the Internet and World Wide Web. Outlines the resources found in each of the various access points: gopher, online catalog, library and legislative Web sites, legal and copyright databases, and FTP (file transfer protocol) sites. (LAM)

Examines the globalization of information and its implications for locally implemented online library systems. Global factors include worldwide telecommunications networks and the need for standards, and local factors include the importance of databases, multilingual requirements in libraries, and regional networking capabilities. Discusses how…

Describes a study that characterized research performance in China through the number of papers published in periodicals and the number of citations received by those papers covered by the "Science Citation Index" database from 1987 to 1993. Distribution of cited disciplines and ranking of research institutes are discussed. (LRW)

Discusses unanticipated effects of an electronic performance support system (EPSS) on one organization. Topics include EPSS as an innovation; vendor's familiarity with the organizational environment; choice of database and system interface; participation by user groups; information sources; implementation; and recommendations for future research.…