Surveys the technology of database software and hardware, describing some of the principal issues related to the user's view of data, sharing, concurrent access, security, and integrity. (JN)

Describes the costs, programing languages, limitations, and capabilities of micro, mini, and mainframe computers, as well as specific computer projects and storage techniques, including disks, floppies, and videodiscs. Also discussed are links, networks, and computer features for libraries. A glossary and 22 references are provided. (RBF)

The question raised here is about the extent that liberal individualism and the consumerist ethos is the result of technology and to what extent is it the cultural norm of modernity. There has been a polarization in the way technology is understood. Predominantly it is assumed to be neutral but it can also be argued that technology exacerbates the…

The papers and discussions of the 1975 Pacific Region meeting of the Association for Computing Machinery are presented. Topics included (1) the current and emerging state of the art in data management software and hardware, (2) relational systems with particular attention to new developments in systems for relational data bases, (3) advances in…

The background and functional capabilities of Stanford's library automation system and the hardware environment in which it operates are described. Prospects for extending BALLOTS to network use are summarized. (Author/PF)

This report describes approaches to database translation (i.e., transferring data and data definitions from a source, either a database management system (DBMS) or a batch file, to a target DBMS), and recommends a method for representing the data structures of newly-proposed network and relational data models in a form suitable for database…

The Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications has supported a program to develop a Plasma Terminal System for purposes of improving the effective delivery of computer based educational materials. This system, employing recent advances in microprocessing and storage technologies, will provide new alternatives for present users of…

This paper describes an effective microprocessor-based CAI system which has been repeatedly tested by a large number of students and edited accordingly. Tasks not suitable for microprocessor based systems (authoring, testing, and debugging) were handled on larger multi-terminal systems. This approach requires that the CAI language used on the…

Utilizing both the experience gained from the Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) Pilot Project, which tested the feasibility of distributing Library of Congress cataloging in machine readable form to various users, and the results of extensive consultation with the library community and persons at the Library of Congress, a format for…

Past problems encountered in the use of computers are discussed. They include: (1) computing and data storage costs; (2) machine speed and capacity limitations; and (3) the limited number of languages and Input/Output devices available to facilitate man/machine communication. The improvements in all of these areas are explained. The problems which…

Organization of communication between the center of an automated system of information exchange and the subscribers to the system is described. The three requirements are: (1) those technical communication means must be chosen which will provide effective and convenient avenues for calls from the subscribers to the center, (2) the required…

This report discusses SIGI, an operational example of a computer-based career guidance system. The system demonstrates that such a service can be performed well and at a cost within the reach of most schools. Data collected during the pilot trail indicate that students who had used SIGI were more aware of the career options open to them and the…

Described is a complete and technical description of one component of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) total data storage and access system. Both a verbal and a graphic flow chart of its functions within the system are presented. (TL)

Describes the operation and numerous capabilities of a British computerized data retrieval system named Prestel. It provides access, through the regular telephone network and a TV screen, to computer-based information supplied by many companies, agencies and commercial outlets. (GA)