Described are the uses a computer is being put to by an elementary school in Illinois. (LS)

Outlines the automation process at the Library of Congress begun in 1961, noting problems encountered and future possibilities, and describing databases currently in use--SCORPIO, MUMS, MARC, COPICS AND COINS, ISIS, AND PAGING. (EJS)

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

To assess value of abstracts in online information retrieval, this study attempts to match free-text search phrases to index terms and provides classification of documents indicating form of retrieval to be expected by searching three databases--Energyline; Management Contents; and America, History and Life. Results of a sample search are…

Examines usage patterns of ELHILL retrieval program of National Library of Medicine's MEDLARS system. Based on sample of 6,759 searches, the study analyzes frequency of various commands, classifies messages issued by system, and investigates searcher error rates. Suggestions for redesigning program and query language are noted. Seven references…

Summarizes the current state of the art on informational data bases and projects an image of the effective student-scholar of tomorrow. Focuses primarily upon The Source but references a number of other existing data bases which are available to the personal computer enthusiast via existing telecommunications systems. (JAC)

Accessibility of computer technology to the nontechnical user has altered the scholar's world. Cooperative ventures will make the libraries of the future work for scholars by providing technological links between scholars and sources of information. Of particular interest to scholars are: microforms, videodiscs, and computerized databases. (MLW)

Considers aspects of building, maintaining, and using United States MARC format and other related standards, discussing costs and benefits, MARC and the American National Standards Institute's Z39 standard, effects of MARC on content and processing, compatibility between and within standards, and MARC in practice. Nineteen sources are cited. (EJS)

Presents conceptual framework for organization of factors (independent variables) affecting online bibliographic retrieval. Roles that variables play in research studies are described and examples considering various elements--setting, user, request, database, search system, searcher, search process, search outcome--are provided. Twenty-one…

Discusses microcomputer interfacing systems which accept full MARC record from bibliographic utility, reformat and transform it into local library computer system format; illustrates how the TPS-400 interface works; outlines criteria for interface selection; indicates installation decisions; and notes limitation problems and benefits. Four…

Strategic planning and strategy implementation in colleges and universities are examined and the implications for the design of information systems are discussed. At the University of Vermont it has not been necessary to decentralize access to major databases for strategic planning or strategy implementation purposes. (MLW)

Discusses the quality of information retrieval using "free text" searching in full-text databases and presents a critical perspective on the importance of augmenting access to full-text databases through some form of text enhancement, such as the use of a limited controlled vocabulary for indexing general concepts. (Author/JL)

FRED (a Front End for Databases) was conceived to alleviate data access difficulties posed by the heterogeneous nature of online databases. A hardware/software layer interposed between users and databases, it consists of three subsystems: user-interface, database-interface, and knowledge base. Architectural alternatives for this database machine…

The entity-relationship (ER) approach to database design is defined, and a specific example of an ER model (personnel-payroll) is examined. The requirements for converting ER models into specific database management systems are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the goals of library catalogs, how and to what extent these goals are achieved, and differences which exist among online, card, book, and microform catalogs. Access and display of information are noted, highlighting form of entries (main entries, corporate authorship, subject description) and search strategies. Seven references are…