A series of articles addresses issues concerning decision support and knowledge based systems. Topics covered include knowledge-based systems for information centers; object oriented systems; strategic information systems case studies; user perception; manipulation of certainty factors by individuals and expert systems; spreadsheet program use;…

Presents a study of the popular documentation and communication centers in Brazil which have developed to preserve the history of the struggles of the lower classes and to act as popular information services that fill information needs not met by traditional libraries. Social, economic, and political issues in Brazil are outlined. (Contains 10…

This report summarizes the formation of UNISIST and the topics of discussion at the first UNISIST meeting (1976) on the planning and implementation of national information activities in science and technology. Topics of discussion reported include: (1) the objectives of national information activities in the areas of science and technology; (2)…

These seven papers on library management and networks focus on: (1) computerized access to archival and library materials, describing the methodological problems associated with a pilot project in the German Democratic Republic, as well as the efficiency of data bank systems; (2) present and future development of libraries and information centers…

This analysis of major trends in the information dissemination industry focuses primarily on educational research. Specific aspects of the provision of information services discussed include policy questions, for both government and industry; the emerging role of the information counselor; networks and government agencies for educational…

Describes the establishment of an online retrieval system in a Turkish documentation center and the problems encountered, including lack of training for personnel; incompatible telecommunications channels; the need to execute searches using English; and unrealistic user expectations. (CLB)

Presents three conference papers from the Association of Library and Information Science Education 1990 Annual Conference that deal with the role of qualitative research in information settings. Highlights include qualitative methodology in cultural institutions; emphasizing the user; and two studies on information management, one using…

Argues that students must be introduced to information technologies to prepare them for the future and recommends that the library media center be made the information center for both teachers and students. Sources of information on CD-ROM, telecommunications, online searching, instructional television, and change strategies are provided,…

Outlines the impact of current divisions in the information infrastructure of the information environment on the ability of knowledge workers to integrate information across media and sources of information. Discussion covers information "seams," inaccessible information, information overload/impoverishment, and bottlenecks. The…

The role of institutional research in the creation and operation of an information center is discussed, along with the ways in which the spread of information centers within higher education is likely to influence the future development of institutional research. Forces leading to the emergence of information centers are advances in computer…

The opportunities center is a new school service concept that can help students find opportunities related to their talents and interests in work, education, leisure, small business, or community service. The opportunities center model expands the career center model into an information search center offering multiple services that link academic…

Public policy with respect to industrial arts as a part of general education is almost nonexistent. In fact, one finds little true commitment to the field except by its practitioners, and they frequently report such problems as not having a textbook available for their course or having school counselors assign to their courses students who cannot…

This report presents the results of a study of the Documentation Centre of the Association of African Universities (AAU) undertaken to work out proposals for the rational organization of the Centre, and to explore the possibility of computerizing the Centre and linking it with other centers which provide automated documentation services. The…

This report discusses the importance of state libraries to the system of Australian library resources and outlines the relevance of state library resources to the present and future information needs of the Australian community. The nature and function of state libraries are reviewed and placed in a historical context. An outline of the challenges…

Presented as a public service in anticipation of the October 1979 White House Conference on Library and Information Services, the eight papers in this booklet call attention to the key issues which the American Society for Information Science (ASIS) believes have developed from proliferating information and for technological advances. Each of the…