Discusses the theoretical frameworks and design considerations for an experimental electronic library system named Cybermagazine and considers the potential of multimedia approaches to information retrieval and delivery. Issues considered include current awareness services, user interface, database management, cataloging, and document delivery.…

Argues that information retrieval based on semantic representation is not helpful for those searchers who do not have well-defined ideas of the target document type. Presents an alternative, complementary method for indexing and document retrieval based on attributes of argumentation, a characteristic of articles advancing a claim. (52 references)…

A survey of handicapped people (19,135 usable responses or 3.5 percent of the population) in a French region was conducted, utilizing personal contacts with the recurring involvement of mediators. The survey attempted to establish a database thoroughly describing all handicapped people according to age, type of impairment, type of lodging, and…

Describes the development of the WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) protocol, a system that allows users access to personal, corporate, and commercial electronic information from one interface. The availability of WAIS on the Internet and the reactions of users are addressed. Several problems are considered, including funding, hardware…

Describes a project that was designed to study the effectiveness and efficiency of editing procedures within an online bibliographic system at a large research university library. A comprehensive statistical overview of editing commands available is presented, frequency of their use is studied, and questions for further research are suggested.…

Describes an image storage system for contract documentation in the Engineering Directorate of Thames Water Utilities (England) which uses optical disc storage and a relational database for indexing and retrieval of nearly 500,000 pages in compressed image format, and provides end user access through 7 workstations. Requirements, feasibility…

Provides a conceptual framework for information systems (IS) that can be used in AIDS intervention and prevention (AIP). System components are analyzed, including a database, decision support systems (DSS), expert systems, and software; potential applications of ISAIP are suggested; and an example of a system implemented at Wright State University…

The LABLIB system at the Language Centre of the University of Turku, Finland, is described. LABLIB is a computerized bilingual information retrieval system that assumes a minimum of user computer expertise and includes comprehensive information on tape recordings, video programs, and other teaching materials. (four references) (LB)

The current state of information retrieval (IR) evaluation is reviewed with criticisms directed at the available test collections and the research and evaluation methodologies used, including precision and recall rates for online searches and laboratory tests not including real users. Automatic text retrieval systems are also discussed. (32…

Reports on a study that analyzed 3,746 papers obtained from retrospective searches of the Medline database according to language, length of abstract, depth of indexing, and inclusion of author's address. The focus is on scientific production in Slavonic countries and the information value of Slavonic papers in Medline. (10 references) (MES)

Characterizes information retrieval systems in a network environment from a user's perspective along two axes: query and presentation. Several examples of early, current, and developing information retrieval systems are considered within this framework, and Daltext, a prototype system to support research on text-based retrieval systems, is…

This discussion of educational applications of user interfaces covers the benefits of adopting database techniques in organizing multimedia materials; the evolution of user interface technology, including teletype interfaces, analogic overlay graphics, window interfaces, and adaptive systems; application design problems, including the…

Discusses the history and structure of the online database of the second edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the software tools developed at the University of Waterloo to manipulate the unusually complex database. Four sample searches that indicate some types of problems that might be encountered are appended. (DB)

Describes the procedures followed in inventorying, cataloging, and barcoding government documents records from Government Printing Office (GPO) tapes as part of an integrated online system with Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore College libraries. The use of a vendor to help with retrospective cataloging is also described. (nine references) (LRW)

Analyzes the properties of genetic sequences that cause the failure of classical algorithms used for data compression. A lossless algorithm, which compresses the information contained in DNA and RNA sequences by detecting regularities such as palindromes, is presented. This algorithm combines substitutional and statistical methods and appears to…