Describes a public library's newspaper index which provides unique genealogical and historical information, and supplements or replaces lost official records for local counties in the form of a printed index. The process of database design, staffing, software and hardware requirements, working with a programmer, and data entry are explained. (EM)

Describes InfoMaster, a gateway system produced by Western Union, which provides access to 16 online database services. Highlights include the user-oriented, menu-driven gateway approach, range of databases, searching features, and InfoMaster's relationship to the EasyLink data communication service. Sample screen displays are provided. (EM)

Designing a student database to meet your school's specific recordkeeping and reporting needs is described. Setting up a data file, listing categories, and generating reports are each illustrated. (MNS)

Explains a new methodology for thesaurus design that is specifically geared for use by novice end-users, and describes a faceted hierarchical thesaurus organization which provides an economical information retrieval system in a corporate setting. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of a database management system (DBMS)--dBaseII--to create an enriched title-based keyword index for a collection of news items at the Renewable Energy Resources Information Center of the Asian Institute of Technology. The use of DBMSs in libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

This article presents an interview with Robert Taylor, a leading figure in educational computing. Among the topics covered are: (1) current developments in educational computing, (2) the changing role of teachers, (3) the resources computer technology will provide to social studies teachers, and (4) whether the probable future uses of computers…

This article provides a diverse collection of examples of computer use in elementary and secondary school social studies. Names and addresses are provided for contacting many of the projects. (JDH)

The Anchorage, Alaska, School District is dealing with the problem of teaching students about the "information age" through a unique program in their central library system. It was one of the first school districts in the nation to computerize its library and to provide access to computer databases to the students through telephones as…

Discusses on-demand publishing as a solution to the information explosion and cites ERIC, which specializes in unpublished materials, as a model for such a solution. Topics covered include role and functions of scholarly publishing (selection and dissemination), fractional publishing, service publishing, and scholarly journals. Eleven sources are…

Discusses Portuguese information sector (computers, libraries, specialized information services), which is described as very underdeveloped in comparison with other European countries. Highlights include computer applications in information services including national industrial database, INFOLNETI; access to international databases; official…

Describes storing of "hedges"--lists of terms on specific subjects--for use in responding to repeated search requests which cannot be retrieved via existing controlled vocabulary. Use of hedges at National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Library, frequently used examples, and Excerpta Medica hedges are highlighted.…

Alternative educational applications of microcomputer technology in allied health are discussed, including word-processing software for creation and revision of syllabi, exams, and handouts; database management software for creation of large sets of bibliographic references, storage and retrieval of data on students; spreadsheet software; and…

Outlines the uses of personal computers as energy management tools in school systems. They can account for energy use and costs, monitor monthly consumption, project impacts of projects, and study new design and building use programs. Includes three tables. (MD)

Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

Reviews the conception and services of ALANET, American Library Association's (ALA) electronic information service designed to create an electronic mail system and develop a wide-ranging information service to improve access to information resources of ALA. External databases, professional information services, communications networks, assisting…