Identifies five design requirements for electronic encyclopedias, based on the content and structure of printed encyclopedias and the uses that people make of them. Three existing hypertext programs (Owl International's Guide, HyperCard, and HyperTIES) are compared in terms of their ability to satisfy these design requirements. (CLB)

Discussion of automation in the Oxford College Libraries (England) begins with background on the university library system, which consists of numerous independent libraries. Centralized and decentralized automation activities are described, and hardware and software for the microcomputer-based system at the University College Library are…

Describes two computer programs--INDEX and INDEXD--that use statistical information about repeated phrases in documents to automatically index documents at the conceptual level. Sample output of the programs is provided, and plans to combine this method with linguistic and artificial intelligence techniques to provide a general conceptual…

Discusses the interpretation of nominal compounds in the context of natural language processing for information retrieval. Knowledge-intensive algorithms that can successfully interpret compounds found in technical documents are described, and experiments are reported that indicate these algorithms may be unnecessary for improving retrieval…

Reviews the newest addition to Pelican's Creative Writing Series of instructional software, which uses the comic book format to provide a unique writing environment for satire, symbolism, sequencing, and combining text and graphics to communicate ideas. (SR)

Rapidly changing technology affects not only teaching techniques, but also the kinds of skills taught. New mathematics software such as the Geometric Supposer and Mathematica can function as "learning ramps" or "intellectual sandboxes" for secondary students. Videodisks, telecommunications,and expert systems will be more widely available in…

Discusses the application of marketing principles to a software house specializing in products for the construction industry. Concludes that service management and marketing insights are important factors for the successful growth of a company or service department. (YP)

Describes the algorithm used to select a simple random sample of certain size without having to list all possible samples and a justification based on Pascal's triangle. Provides testing results by various computers. (YP)

Discusses topics relating to the Virginia Tech Library System: the company (VTLS, Inc.); the software; data structure; cataloging, status, and authority control; circulation; serials control and acquisitions; the online catalog; management reporting; networking; and the operating environment. Sidebars discuss the Vanilla Network; LINNEA--a network…

This third installment in a series on instructional videodiscs for teachers focuses on the equipment needed to bring videodisc programs to the classroom. Videodisc delivery systems are explained, players and monitors are described, and three types of computer-controlled systems are discussed: hybrid systems, peripheral systems, and integrated…

Discussion of copyright issues involving computer software focuses on faculty examination of software for evaluation purposes. Two model examination copy licenses are proposed: one a circulating evaluation copy, for libraries and other centers where individual evaluators are not involved in copying; and one a distributable evaluation copy. (five…

Provides overviews of expert systems and library material selection, and describes six steps in the process of the development of the Monograph Selection Advisor, a demonstration prototype expert system that provides advice on monograph selection decisions. (17 references) (MES)

Hypermedia technology represents a new and extremely significant paradigm for future computer use--a technology capable of bringing to cognitive tasks powerful new ways for creating and using biomedical information. Hypermedia's potential role in the academic environment is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes the uses of the Amiga computer, a "digital canvas" that creates computer-generated art and graphic displays. Examines how computer-graphics programs can be used in a course that is totally interactive with the computer. (MM)

Instructional strategies for teaching learning-disabled students to use word processing for writing are considered. The features of three word processing programs useful for these students are compared for usefulness in a variety of curriculum applications. (Author/DB)