Discusses how imprecision and uncertainty are dealt with in the UFO (Uncertainty and Fuzziness in an Object-oriented) database model. Such information is expressed by means of possibility distributions, and modeled by means of the proposed concept of "role objects." The role objects model uncertain, tentative information about objects,…

Proposes a set of 50 criteria in seven categories for evaluating educational Internet information sources. Compares these indicators against a number of acknowledged Internet evaluation sites and identifies the most used criteria. Finds that currency, graphic design, and browsability are the most highly rated aspects to consider when evaluating…

Reviews the history of "Information Science Abstracts" (ISA)--the oldest abstracting and indexing publication covering the field of information science-as well as the history of attempts to define "information science." Derives a new working definition of the term for ISA and a subject mapping of the field from both this review…

Provides a brief background of the Biological Abstracts' title index, "Biological Abstracts' Subject in Context" (BASIC) "Stop List," or compilation of nonsignificant words that were going to be automatically stopped from printing. Notes that the Stop List provided an improvement over the raw computer output of titles while…

Discusses asserting and assessing authenticity of digital information sources and why authenticity is an issue now. Describes three types of technical and social strategies (public, secret, and functionally dependent) for asserting authenticity. Cites examples of requirements for authenticity from the various stages in the research process. (AEF)

The Internet is a significant information resource for students due to the ease of access it allows to a vast amount of information. As the quality of the information on the Internet varies, it is important that students are able to evaluate such information critically. The aim of the study was to investigate how students evaluate Internet sources…

Proxies typically serve as information providers in studies of persons with intellectual disabilities. However, little is known about the concordance between different proxy categories and how proxy characteristics influence the information provided. We compared 89 pairs of relative and staff reports on the living conditions of persons with…

Describes the Kaleidoscope, a conference activity designed to make special needs personnel and other interested individuals aware of a variety of new techniques, materials, and programs for handicapped, disadvantaged, and limited English proficiency learners. Subjects include evaluating software for disabled learners, workshops, competency-based…

Recommends steps to take when planning a career in business. These include (l) learning more about job requirements, availability, and placement; (2) understanding changes occurring in the job market; and (3) learning how to get along with people and how to work under varying circumstances. (CT)

Reviews the operational steps in conducting a major needs assessment study. Discusses who should be involved in the process, when the process should be conducted, how the process should be conducted, general steps, and criteria for an effective model. (CT)

Evaluates these two bibliographic databases for geosciences information in terms of their content coverage, search methodologies, user effort, and analysis of results. (SW)

An evaluation of Australia's New Enterprise Initiative Scheme, which provides job search information to disadvantaged job seekers, found the following: of 81 long-term unemployed, 76.5% were self-employed after participation; of 51 non-English speaking individuals, 65% were self-employed; and 84% of 400 participants overall were in some form of…

The discovery of the Nazi origins of the classic Pernkopf anatomy atlas is one example of scientific information obtained by doctors who violated the Hippocratic Oath. The ethical dilemmas that doctors and medical centers face as a result of this and other potentially tainted data is reviewed. (Author/AEF)

Jean Tague-Sutcliffe's book "Measuring Information" offers a theory to permit the measurement of information services by means of the user-centered notion of the subjective information associated with the interaction between a user and a record on an occasion. Some suggestions are made to improve the theory's foundations. (Author/AEF)

Discusses Victor Page, one of the first people to make a living as a technical communicator. Focuses on his 33 automotive and aviation books, popular with the public and critics, which contained information on novel technology, profuse illustrations, and easy-to-access information. States that Page published quickly, had firsthand expertise, and…