Describes the components and capabilities of expert systems, discusses the use of such systems in library information applications, and outlines research being done in this area. A project aimed at the development of an expert system for referral services is described in detail, and implications for future research are discussed. (CLB)

This paper reports on recent research in human-computer interactions, gives examples of some of the most promising uses of educational technology, and categorizes the effective and ineffective applications. The purpose of this paper is to provoke discussion about the problems and the potential benefits of computer use among young people. With a…

Explores the systemological approach of dialogism as a new way of couching the problem of person-machine dialog in human-computer interaction. Concludes that a human-computer interaction community reflecting upon the future of interface will gain bona fide self-awareness from conceptualizing the machine as a component of society, rather than a…

Maintains that diagnosis, explanation, and tutoring, the functions of an interactive learning environment, are collaborative processes. Examines how human-computer interaction can be improved using a distributed cognition framework. Discusses situational and distributed knowledge theories and provides a model on how they can be used to redesign…

Argues that the shared use of artifacts is supported by latent border resources that lie beyond the canonical artifact. Designers must understand the role border resources play and work more directly to help users develop them. This will require designers to change their understanding of artifacts and users. (Contains 69 references.) (KRN)

This paper presents background information about the development and functions of hypertext and predicts future changes in converting text into hypertext. The paper describes hypertext as a computer system that allows the interconnection of information in a way that is "transparent" (does not intrude on or interfere with the reader's…

This paper describes several pilot systems of data management using telecommunications links, which have been tested by the Navy during an 8-year period in which emphasis has been on the development of relational database management systems, exchange protocols, and man-machine interface. An introduction discusses the background of the project,…

This report covers the background, scope, and findings of a multifaceted research project which focused on data collection and analysis related to online public access systems (OPAC's); the ultimate goal of this project is to improve information access through OPAC design and enhancement. To assist library decision-makers when planning for the…

Different aspects of human-machine interaction are discussed in the five brief papers that comprise this report. The first paper, "Some Observations on Mental Models," discusses the role of a person's mental model in the interaction with systems. The second paper, "A Psychologist Views Human Processing: Human Errors and Other…

Demonstrates the use of foundational elements of Keiretsu to construct a feasible model for the effective and efficient use of technology in distance education. Six major models of distance education are described; and concerns in distance education are discussed, including access, human interaction, fiscal concerns, and technology concerns. (16…

Describes research at Leicester Polytechnic Institute (UK) which examined possible applications of decision support system tools in libraries; in particular, this research explored the role of decision support systems in relation to the development of resources allocation modelling. (five references) (MAB)

Describes five interfaces to remote, full-text databases accessed through distributed systems of servers. These are WAIStation for the Macintosh, XWAIS for X-Windows, GWAIS for Gnu-Emacs; SWAIS for dumb terminals, and Rosebud for the Macintosh. Sixteen illustrations provide examples of display screens. Problems and needed improvements are…

The Penn State Adult Literacy Courseware project uses a "whole word" approach with some word-building activities in teaching 1,000 high frequency and functional words to adult beginning readers whose children participate in Chapter I programs. The aim of the project is to counteract the intergenerational effects of illiteracy. The…

Developed for use by army authors, this report provides information to assist in the step-by-step production of interactive videodisc training delivery systems (VTDS). The first of three volumes describes the hardware and software for VTDS, as well as videodisc authoring and production systems (VAPS). The range of capabilities of consumer-model…

Describes DIALTWIG, a program written in IBM PASCAL and operating on IBM Personal Computer, which is used to emulate features of DIALOG Retrieval System and reduce cost of online training. Structured search assignments are performed on information science database and database reporting student research at Brigham Young University. (4 references)…