Introduction: The IFLA functional requirements for bibliographic records model has had a major impact on cataloguing principles and practices over the past fifteen years. This paper evaluates the model in the light of changes in the wider information environment (especially to information resources and retrieval) and in information seeking…

This paper aims to draw attention to the sustainability of distance learning in terms of the design process based on learner characteristics and technology usage. Distance learning has become a cyberized system owing its presence to developments in digital technologies. Technological developments solve some immediate problems but also have the…

This case provides a real-world project-oriented case study for students enrolled in a management information systems, database management, or systems analysis and design course in which database design and development are taught. The case consists of a business scenario to provide background information and details of the unique operating…

Outlines research showing different ways that information is used in the decision-making process at high levels in organizations. Patterns of executive information use are described, including conceptual, instrumental, tactical, symbolic, and political use; and implications for the design of information systems that support decision making are…

Poses four issues concerning library catalogs and cataloging and presents suggestions toward resolution of these problems. Cost considerations, cataloging system design, the catalog's role in shaping service users receive and those they are encouraged to seek, and contradictory requirements of the catalog are highlighted. (EJS)

Classifies types of electronic books: archival, informational, instructional, and interrogational; evaluates five commercially, available examples and two in-house examples; and describes software tools for creating and delivering electronic books. Identifies crucial design considerations: interactive end-user interfaces; use of hypermedia;…

This paper explores interactivity, and considers what should be done to create a mass market for interactive media. It is suggested that one way to do so is to examine the video game phenomenon, and a model of interactivity is proposed. The model, a "home interactive theater," would involve interaction in the telling of a story, with the…

Explores how the 6-D framework can form the core of a comprehensive systemic strategy and help provide a supporting structure for more robust design and development while allowing organizations to support whatever methods and models best suit their purpose. 6-D stands for the phases of Web design and development: Discovery, Definition, Design,…

This summary of issues addressed at the conference identifies 10 important themes: (1) the nature of interactivity, and whether linear presentations are obsolete; (2) what can be done with all the imagery made possible with videodisks and the sounds enabled by compact disks, and whether any of this is really new; (3) whether emotional…

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…

This paper summarizes the general issues discussed at the September 1986 conference of the Apple Education Advisory Council and during the Advisory Council's deliberations about the future. The general issues are categorized within four topics--technical considerations, people considerations, human/technology interface considerations, and network…

Discusses the capabilities of optical data disk systems to merge different types of media, and the need to incorporate these capabilities into new information products. Guidelines for creating a profitable optical data disk product are outlined. (CLB)

Provides overview of design requirements for transparent information retrieval (implies that user sees through complexity of retrieval activities sequence). Highlights include need for transparent systems; history of transparent retrieval research; information retrieval functions (automated converters, routers, selectors, evaluators/analyzers);…

A review of library technological development and card catalog innovations of the past century and a half precedes a discussion of online public access catalog development. Design requirements and purpose of the online catalog, access techniques and provisions, costs, and future integration are highlighted. Twenty-two references are listed. (EJS)

Examination of the barriers to a regional interlending and document supply system in the Caribbean discusses barriers beyond the control of libraries and within the control of libraries. The requirements for an effective interlending system are discussed, problems with those requirements in the Caribbean are identified, and practical solutions are…