Reports on two empirical studies that examined the nature and causes of information management indeterminism in an online research environment. A knowledge-based design for alleviating indeterminism which contains a system-generated thesaurus and an inferencing engine is proposed. (Contains 63 references.) (JLB)

Application of a knowledge and information systems perspective shows how agricultural innovation can be enhanced through networking. In the Netherlands, a number of alternative systems of inquiry and learning are infused with this perspective: participatory technology development, participatory rural appraisal, soft systems methodology, and rapid…

Presents job-hunting options and career opportunities available by searching the Internet, as well as tips for consulting others in a field of interest through a listserv or usenet news group. A collection of Internet addresses providing access to information on job search strategies or job availability is provided. (JPS)

Describes how a management information system (MIS) at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) was adapted to ensure adequate training to accompany the development of computer applications. Highlights include semantic differences; user needs; time and budget constraints; and problems between users and programmers, including examples.…

Describes the design and development of EmbARK, a computer application designed to handle art collections management for use by museums, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals, which links together various facets of managing objects in an easy-to-use client server application. Topics discussed include digital imaging; museum…

Six articles discuss government information policy in context of technology and electronic records; policies on information resources management from OMB (Office of Management and Budget); state information resources, including Council of State Governments (CSG); state record laws and preservation of archival records; and management of electronic…

Provides small companies with limited resources some suggestions for undertaking a hypertext project. Describes how to create various forms of online documentation systems. (HB)

Suggests that known sources of name variation and error in information systems must be addressed through improved retrieval techniques. Argues that a culture of data stewardship in which fewer errors are introduced in the handling of personal names can be achieved through greater awareness of problems specific to handling of names, and the design…

In the aftermath of several tragic incidents of school violence, school administrators began focusing more directly on crisis management. Those who actually had to activate their plans often discovered that communication--with the media and with the general community--was one of the most challenging tasks they faced. In an effort to determine if…

Historically, legislation or judicial review successfully controlled threats to personal privacy by information technology. Wiretapping legislation, for example, developed along with sophisticated telephone equipment. Today, however, the law is unable to respond quickly enough to the constantly changing situations and behaviors created by massive…

The benefits that the microcomputer offers the school district--and the district's public relations office in particular--are significant and should be taken advantage of. Although microcomputers increase the already large amount of information available to administrators, they also enable the user to select and coordinate information efficiently.…

Characteristics of colleges that may indicate the need for a chief information officer (CIO) are identified, along with factors that might lead to failure in taking this direction. An example of an institution that encountered problems when they hired a CIO is included. Factors leading to success are as follows: (1) a well-thought-out position on…

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at an international seminar designed to provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas about maximizing the use of information technology as a strategic weapon for achieving organizational changes and goals, and for achieving a competitive advantage. Among these presentations were the…

Data and information needs of college administrators are discussed, along with the uses of information to support decisionmaking. Difficulties in applying information technology to the administration of higher education are briefly reviewed. Data and information are discussed both in definitional and functional terms. Data are defined as either…

Oregon's Career Information System (CIS), housed at the University of Oregon and associated with the National Career Information System, delivers local labor market and educational information to over 400 sites in Oregon. CIS can be used as a model of information systems utilizing computers to make accurate, relevant, and timely information…