Describes and evaluates the success of a chemistry course for nonscience majors that examines a variety of contemporary science-based issues and includes online retrieval of chemical information. Explains how course instructor and librarian work together to plan assignments and provide instruction to groups of students. Includes sample assignments…

Reviews improvements to the Dictionary on Computer (DOC) research system redesigned by the University of California Berkeley Project on Linguistic Analysis. Emphasizes the redesigned program's greater accessibility since its introduction into a microcomputer environment. Underscores DOC's research value for studying the history of Chinese…

This guide catalogs and describes over 60 major survey and statistical databases containing useful information about the characteristics, experiences, and behavior of U.S. families and is designed to assist researchers in locating suitable databases. The surveys described deal with substantive issues, including health, education, employment and…

Discusses new developments in digitizing manuscripts. Introduces four categories describing level of detail for digital images in historical information systems. These are illustrative, readable, Paleographic quality, and enhanceable. Examines traditional architecture, tagged manuscripts, and approaches to full-text integration. (MJP)

Because the publication of census data on CD-ROM has expanded the capabilities of users, librarians need to consider issues involved in providing census and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services, selecting GIS software, and providing user support. (JMV)

This disc version is the fifth edition of the "Ethnographic Bibliography of North America," the classic print source of anthropological literature on Native Americans from Human Relations Area Files, Inc. It contains nearly 60,000 citations. Using the files and some shortcomings are reviewed. (SLD)

An issues-oriented framework for selecting data to support typical state-level planning analyses is presented. Attention is focused on questions concerning the planning issues, and the general data requirements required to support a given state's analytical questions and decision requirements. State-level planning issues in postsecondary education…

Discusses incorporating high technology research tools into the curriculum for grades 5 through 12 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, public schools. The use of CD-ROM and online databases is described, teacher training is discussed, and steps to integrate this new technology are listed, including budget proposals and evaluation. (LRW)

Four kinds of resources for the study of graduate student progress and retention are outlined: general information on the history of and issues in graduate education; methods, strategies, and techniques for conducting research; information on specific policy issues; and organizations offering publications and advice. (MSE)

The GENESYS (GENeric Evaluation SYStem) evaluation system of the Austin, Texas school system is described, and its second year of operation--1989-90--is reviewed. GENESYS is a method of streamlining data collection and evaluation through the use of computer technology. It gathers and reports the following standard information on specified groups…

Intended for academics interested in small town research with an applied focus, this paper argues that high quality research aimed at data base development must occur before academics can work with practitioners in any policy forum. The paper begins by documenting the lack of research on small and rural governments and the need for a sound data…

Student use of microcomputer databases in social studies is discussed. Databases give students and teachers an opportunity to get involved in information storage, retrieval, and analysis. In the process, students develop skills of inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as well as many of the basic skills needed not only in social studies…

This paper is based on information related to the use of computers in special education within California, and on the experiences of the San Juan Unified School District in using computer information for special education research, evaluation and planning. The majority of special education planning agencies in California have some type of…

With more than 38,000 references to journal articles, books, book chapters, and reports on Mexican Americans, the Chicano database offers the most comprehensive access to information on one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. It is a model for other ethnic CD-ROM projects. (SLD)

With the growth of computer technology, bibliographic data bases have developed into sophisticated online research tools. The major data bases are produced by abstracting and indexing (A&I) publishers. Vendors purchase the A&I publishers' machine readable tapes, then sell computer access to the tapes to information based organizations such…