The need to develop a comprehensive network to pull together all existing technologies into a comprehensive knowledge base is promoted. (MP)

This document contains reports examining research designs for Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) usage studies at three levels: (1) system operations; (2) subscribers to the services provided; and (3) the ultimate "end-users" of the service. The first level report, which addresses ERIC as an information network, proposes two…

During the mid-nineteenth century, merchants in Cincinnati (Ohio) gained access to the latest telegraphic news through the Merchants' Exchange, which became a vital link in a communications network that served as the nervous system of the nation's economy. The Cincinnati Merchants' Exchange was founded in 1843 by the Young Men's Mercantile Library…

National data networks now being built or planned will be complemented by international networks, and solutions to the technical problems of compatibility are being sought. The Common Market's Euronet, first to be used for scientific and technical data, will have rates that are independent of distance. (Author/BB)

History of electronic mail services (EMS) includes characteristics and potential. Factors to consider in selecting an EMS and means of communicating with different types of systems are discussed with emphasis on software for personal equipment and use of an interconnection service agency. Features of International Electronic Mail Services, Inc.,…

Deals with the various technological, human, environmental, and infrastructural factors which determine the actual possibilities of carrying out a program for the establishment and operation of information networks in the developing countries. (Author)

This paper provides a portrayal of Z39.50 (a communications protocol that enables two systems to exchange messages for the purpose of information retrieval) that explains its flexibility in response to a variety of information retrieval requirements in the networked environment. The first section presents an overview of Z39.50, including the…

Tables showing the types of Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) products and their dispersion provide background information for the executive summaries of usage study design reports focusing on three levels: (1) system operations; (2) subscribers to the services provided; and (3) the ultimate "end-users" of the service. The…

The identification of literature relevant to the development of a comprehensive information system was the purpose for which this bibliography was compiled. The following sources were utilized: "Use of Resource Material and Decision Processes Associated with Educational Innovation: A Literature Survey,": Berkeley California Far West Laboratory for…

Strategic planning for information systems and descriptions of the products needed to purvey an institution's information resources as though they were delivered from a single, integrated system are featured, emphasizing strategy and tactics. Various accepted premises for the current state of higher education information systems are set forth.…

The objectives of this study were to examine the need and potential demand for computer-based information services in the University of Otago medical libraries, to evaluate the various databases of interest, and to recommend the best means of access to such services. Data were collected through user and library surveys, an extensive literature…

The six characteristics of an Experimental Publication System (EPS) evaluated are: (1) prompt dissemination, (2) focused distribution, (3) diversity of content, (4) catalog of abstracts, (5) articles printed separately and (6) low acceptance criteria. Approximately 20% of the psychologists who might be interested in the subject matter are covered…

Describes plans for a European information network that will link the nations of Europe together in providing easy access to data bases from all parts of the world and in all fields of science and technology. (Author/PF)

Discussion of standards and protocols (set of rules by which two computers or other electronic devices can exchange data for same purpose) highlights history of standards and their interaction with the design and evolution of real computer networks. Topics noted include reference models; conformance, compatibility, and interoperability; and…

Discusses the need for standards allowing computer-to-computer communication and gives examples of technical issues. The seven-layer framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is explained and illustrated. Sidebars feature public data networks and Recommendation X.25, OSI standards, OSI layer functions, and a glossary.…