This update covers the approximate time period from mid-1980 through late 1981, contains 640 references, and includes books, state of the art reviews, program descriptions, use studies, periodical articles, and the proceedings of four conferences on information retrieval. (Author/JL)

Includes articles on the use of online databases for historical research, machine readable data sources for historical research, the librarian-historian interface in reference service, and a sampler of databases for searches in history as well as a selected list of guides to history databases and data archives. (JL)

Recounts the history of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and Stanford University's involvement in it, with an account of the problems that developed with the system, particularly several computer failures which almost spelled the end of the network. The comments of key figures in the RLG story are included. (JL)

Describes a computer-assisted testing system which produces multiple-choice examinations for a college course in business administration. The system uses SPIRES (Stanford Public Information REtrieval System) to manage a database of questions and related data, mark-sense cards for machine grading tests, and ACL (6) (Audit Command Language) to…

Discusses the need for alternate delivery systems in continuing medical education (CME), the benefits of using computers to deliver CME, and ways to increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of computer based education. Current and future applications of computer techniques to CME are also examined. (Author/MER)

Describes a development in computer technology called database management, presented in a model for student development. Although the type and amount of information for the database is flexible, suggests it provides an opportunity to apply existing educational principles on a wider basis to more students. (Author)

Presents the background, database, user instructions, design criteria, hardware, and commands of the online catalog system at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) library, as well as self-instructional features of the system. Evaluation of systems use and potential applications are discussed, and sample displays are provided. (RBF)

Using data from the ten-year-old Data Bank of the National Catholic Educational Association, the author points out some trends in America's Catholic schools: enrollment stabilization, shifts from religious to lay teachers, increasing minority enrollments, and increasing operating expenses. (SJL)

Cites major U.S. encyclopedia publishers interested in developing machine-readable versions and suggests design possibilities for accessing encyclopedia databases. Full text searching, searching by fields, and sorting on fields are presented as techniques that provide online systems with significant advantages over print. There are five…

A well-designed database, carefully defined procedures, and consultation with legal counsel can greatly reduce the prospect of costly litigation associated with retrenchment. Tenure contracts, case law on financial exigency, due process, and liability are discussed. (Author/LB)

The findings of a CAUSE survey of institutions of higher education that are either currently using or have used a database management system are presented. In addition to demographic information, other issues addressed are: management implications, systems concepts, systems development, personnel, operational considerations and prospects for the…

The academic transcript system at the University of Calgary, a successful application that combines online and batch processing to generate student transcripts, is described. In addition to improved service to students and alumni, the registrar's operating budget has been reduced and productivity has increased. (Author/MLW)

Considers several systems automating local departmental-based data facilities. Describes design and implementation of a simple system. Concludes by reflecting on changes needed in the system. (Author/CK)

Provides a description and preliminary evaluation of the CyberDoc program at the MCP-Hanhemann School of Medicine of the Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (Pennsylvania). The program allows faculty to track students' progress at off-site clerkships and allowed students to access a variety of databases, electronic mail, and other…

Discusses the recruiting process for paraprofessional catalogers (job description, qualifications, interview) and outlines a training program in copy cataloging techniques. Includes a sample job description, a list of general competencies for entry-level paraprofessional catalogers, and a bibliography of basic tools (general cataloging,…