Describes a pilot study in which a single database was constructed to provide access by both descriptors and cited references. For each query, two equivalent sets were retrieved and evaluated for relevance to the query. It is concluded that using both search methods can increase both recall and precision. (32 references) (CLB)

Evaluates different types of storage media for long-term archival storage of large amounts of data. Existing storage media are reviewed, including optical disks, optical tape, magnetic storage, and microfilm; three models are proposed based on document storage requirements; performance analysis is considered; and cost effectiveness is discussed.…

Describes the use of file transfer protocol (FTP) on the INTERNET computer network and considers its use as an electronic publishing system. The differing electronic formats of text files are discussed; the preparation and access of documents are described; and problems are addressed, including a lack of consistency. (LRW)

Compares the original and the current status of procedures documentation, a business communication genre. Advocates changing the perception of what the genre ought to be by looking not only at the end product being created but also at the process that created it. Justifies the shift by the changing global environment for effective management…

Discussion of the problem of control in documentary information retrieval (IR) systems focuses on feedback mechanisms. Information needs are discussed, particularly the Problem Oriented Information Need (POIN); the structure of an adaptive IR system is described; and the design of algorithms for automated IR systems is explained. (33 references)…

Discussion of the solicitation and measurement of relevance judgments focuses on a study of faculty and doctoral students at the University of Michigan that examined how users' judgments of document representations changed as more information about the documents was revealed to them. The use of magnitude estimation techniques is also discussed.…

Describes MediaText, a multimedia document processor developed at the University of Michigan that allows the incorporation of video, music, sound, animations, still images, and text into one document. Interactive documents are discussed, and the need for users to be able to write documents as well as read them is emphasized. (four references) (LRW)

Describes a new method for automatic indexing and retrieval called latent semantic indexing (LSI). Problems with matching query words with document words in term-based information retrieval systems are discussed, semantic structure is examined, singular value decomposition (SVD) is explained, and the mathematics underlying the SVD model is…

Describes the special library's role in implementing ISO 9000 (i.e., a series of international quality-assurance standards developed by the International Organization of Standards). Topics discussed include document and data control, keeping the standards current, documentation of procedures, the ISO 9000 audit, and benefits for the library. (MES)

A digital portfolio is a purposeful collection of work, captured by electronic means, that serves as an exhibit of individual efforts, progress, and achievements in one or more areas. The CD-ROM format provides an ideal medium for storing and displaying electronic portfolios. Items included document what an individual knows, how knowledge was…

This article describes the power and potential of documentation as a effective strategy to make visible the assessment processes in early childhood special education programs. The use of documentation for assessing the progress of two children is described and guidelines are provided for producing documentation panels. (Contains references.) (CR)

The extent to which testing practices complied with professional guidelines regarding reliability and validity evidence was studied in research appearing in American Psychological Association journals. Documentation of reliability and validity was reported for 20% of the 2,157 instruments studied in these papers. About half supported one or the…

Discussion of information retrieval focuses on a study of graduate students where the inferential communication model, which implies that the meaning of a document is inferred in the context of the user's situation to result in different meanings for different users, is used to study an inferential science document representation method.…

Notes that child care directors need a flexible and structured filing and retrieval system for all their documents, but most importantly, their essential documents. Provides a case study, a "to do" list for reorganizing a child care program's filing system, an inventory and supply order list, and a list of essential document categories.…

This paper represents an abridgement of a panel session that reported on the status of training for archivists in the use of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) in seven countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States). It touched on related archival descriptive standards and practices and…