Programmable equipment innovations, precursors of today's technology, are examined, including the development of the binary code and feedback control systems, such as temperature sensing devices, interchangeable parts, punched cards carrying instructions, continuous flow oil refining process, assembly lines for mass production, and the…

Beginning with Blaise Pascal's adding machine (1642), a brief look is taken at mechanical computers, electronic developments, transistors, and first, second, and third generation computers. A glossary is appended. (KC)

Reviews the development of English dictionaries in general and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in particular. The discussion covers the decision by the Philological Society to create the dictionary, the principles that guided its development, the involvement of James Augustus Henry Murray, the magnitude and progress of the project, and the…

Chronicles rise of American trade publishing industry from end of Civil War to present. Topics covered include prominent publishers, publishing philosophy, careers in publishing, pre-World War I developments, librarianship and library education, new publishers, assertion of rights by authors, development of American economy, and impact of…

Recapitulates the history of the "Community and Junior College Journal" since its inception in 1930, discussing changes in its administration, philosophy, and title. Emphasizes that this journal is a voice of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, but also that it reflects two-year colleges' experiences and practices…

Reviews six corporate histories more as documents of organizational culture than as objective histories to ascertain their value in organizational communication studies. (PD)

This history of the Bobbs-Merrill publishing company provides a chronological description of the personalities, activities, and events which influenced its development. Sections in the document include: Background and Origins; The Merger of 1885; The Fire and the Aftermath; Relocation; Sale of the Paper and "Notions" Trade; The New York…

This paper offers a platform for reappraising British television during the period of 1950-1960 by identifying the inaccuracy and bias of three firmly entrenched assumptions that dominated the history of British television between the publication of the Beveridge Report (1951) and the Pilkington Report (1962): (1) British television in the period…

Film historians have tended to overlook the industrial film even though it has been widely used as a sales tool since early in this century. The Caterpillar Tractor Company was one of the first to adopt this medium as a means of demonstrating what its machines could do in a variety of situations. While other types of films have been made by…

Municipal ownership and operation of radio stations, an interesting but forgotten variant approach to radio that flourished in the 1920s, is discussed in this paper. Specifically, it examines WPG in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the first and in many ways the most interesting example of municipal ownership of radio. WPG's operations are recounted…

This examination of development of the journal in the scholarly communication system highlights mission statement of the university, the nurturing environment in science and technology and natural sciences, purposes and processes (review of manuscripts, use of journals by practitioners), and editorial responsiblity and the future. Twenty-four…

A history of corporate-campus links from 1882 to 1982 and beyond is provided: from the first public exhibition of electric lighting west of the Mississippi to the free telephone consultation services by University of Minnesota Institute of Technology faculty. (MLW)

Presents a history of information science and examines research problems that confront information science historians. Concludes that information science researchers need to draw on a range of related historical studies such as the history of science and technology, printing and publishing, and information institutions such as libraries, archives,…

During the first two decades of radio broadcasting in the United States, commercial broadcasters persuaded federal regulators, much of the public, and many educators that there was little need for independent noncommercial stations. Educational programming could be entrusted to "cooperation" between commercial hosts and guest educators.…

The history of "The Engineering Index" (Ei) and its parent organization, Engineering Information, Inc., is traced from 1884-1984, drawing parallels between the 100-year evolution of Ei and the 75-year development of Special Libraries Association. Ei's future plans for expansion are defined with emphasis given to special librarian's role.…