The study compared effects of two direct-mail educational software marketing strategies: (1) brochure only and (2) brochure and sample program provided by a journal. Those responding to Strategy 1 rated the programs higher because of less knowledge. However, those responding to Strategy 2 exhibited more respect for the journal. (CH)

Presents criteria in the following areas for evaluation and selection of software for storage, management, and retrieval of text information: (1) input of information; (2) indexing; (3) interactive searching for information; (4) output; (5) selective dissemination of information; (6) security; (7) availability of cheaper, limited versions; and (8)…

Summary of the findings of a critical overview of more than 200 microcomputer programs using PC-DOS/MS-DOS for online information management discusses software for telecommunications, conversion/reformatting, storage and retrieval of text information, and word processing. (6 references) (MES)

Describes development, hardware requirements, and features of the MultiLIS integrated library software package. A system profile provides pricing information, operational characteristics, and technical specifications. Sidebars discuss MultiLIS integration structure, incremental architecture, and NCR Tower Computers. (4 references) (MES)

An overview of hypertext and hypermedia is followed by a description of the Intermedia system, and possibilities for using hypertext in the information industry are explored. A sidebar discusses information retrieval in the humanities using hypertext, and a 58-item annotated bibliography on hypertext is presented. (7 references) (MES)

Discusses how to evaluate computer software for studying literature. Concludes that the best literature software encourages personal, divergent responses as well as formal analysis of the text. Briefly reviews six literature study programs. (MM)

Suggests library applications of the Interactive Financial Planning Systems (IFPS), a software program for financial and statistical analysis. Two models using line item and program budgets for hypothetical special libraries are constructed to illustrate use of IFPS, and the program's report writing function is also illustrated. Seventeen figures…

Describes the experiences of the AT&T Technical Library in installing a local area network (LAN) and bulletin board using the UNIX operating system. Reasons why a LAN was needed, how the system works, and hardware and software used are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

Describes a method of assigning letter grades based on five preliminary grading routines programed in a microcomputer spreadsheet program, in which the teacher chooses the final grade distribution either from the suggested routines or by making an appropriate adjustment to them. (MBR)

To fill a void in evaluations of administrative software, users and distributors of full-capacity student and financial management systems were surveyed. This summary of findings: (1) discusses favorite program features; (2) pinpoints limitations; (3) identifies development trends; and (4) offers predictions about the administrative software of…

Historically, educational institutions have largely relied on in-house development of administrative software. However, the costs of skilled programmers and rapidly advancing technology are making in-house development too expensive. These and other factors are addressed and changes needed for future educational administrative computing support are…

A nonparametric Mokken scale analysis and program is described. Three procedures of scaling (a search procedure, evaluation of the whole set of items as a scale, and extension of an existing scale) provided a coefficient of scalability for all the items together that satisfy the criteria of the Mokken model. (Author/LMO)

The top six educational software titles were picked: Bank Street School Filer, Biofeedback Microlab, Geometric Presupposer: Points and Lines and Geometric Supposer: Quadrilaterals, Logowriter, Microzine, and Touch 'N Write: Palmer Manuscript Penmanship. Twenty-three additional programs are also presented. Each has a descriptive comment. (MNS)

Five software packages that can create party decorations, certificates, toys, comic strips, and other graphics are reviewed. Sources of the software are given. (MT)

Questions the use of a large mainframe computer and special software to assist with data analysis. Raises the following three cautions: (1) labor and expense; (2) access and control; and (3) reductionism. (LHW)