An existing experimental document and reference retrieval system operating in batch processing, tape oriented mode was converted to an on-line mode with user interaction. Objectives were faster response time, integration of functions, and system accessibility at user location. Effects on file organization, addressing techniques, file maintenance,…

Discusses discoveries and applications of science that have enabled the computer industry to introduce new technology each year and produce 25 percent more for the customer at constant cost. Potential limits to progress, disc storage technology, programming and end-user interface, and designing for ease of use are considered. Glossary is included.…

Three operations relevant to preparing a data base and supporting scripts are discussed in considerable detail. Section One enumerates the activities which constitute the collection and documentation of a data base. The material presented is relatively nontechnical and requires no knowledge of computers. Section Two discusses the preparation of…

A generalizable procedure for the analysis and design of information systems is described in the context of allied and supporting data methods, design assessment, and project management considerations. This procedure follows from a view of information systems development as a complex series of goal-directed iterations, rather than a well-ordered…

The paper examines several ideas for information handling implemented with new technologies that suggest directions for future development. These are grouped under the topic headings: Handling Large Data Banks, Providing Personalized Information Packages, Providing Information Specialist Services, and Expanding Man-Machine Interaction. Guides in…

The Information System for Vocational Decision (ISVD) approach to computer-managed information is explained. Drawing mainly from the experience of preparing datafiles of occupational and military information for the ISVD, the author supports and elaborates on a number of general statements: (1) data should be collected and presented specifically…

The document retrieval system at Coordinated Science Laboratory is implemented on a Control Data 1604 computer system. Recorded information from each source article includes 1) conventional bibliographic data such as authorship, author affiliation, title, year of publication, etc., 2) detailed bibliographic data from each of the cited references,…

The virtues of interactive systems are speed, intimacy, and - if time-sharing is involved - economy. The major problems are the cost of the large computers and files necessary for bibliographic data, the still-high cost of communications, and the generally poor design of the user-system interfaces. (Author)

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)

Project Intrex is a program of experiments intended to provide a foundation for the design of future information transfer systems, with the library of the future visualized as a computer-managed communications network. In order to discover the necessary facts, especially in the area of the user's interaction with the system, experimentation is…

Examines two primary roles played by natural language processing in storage and retrieval of information and outlines organization of natural language interface for data retrieval (question-answering system) and approaches being taken to text analysis. Research issues in computational linguistics and interactive knowledge acquisition are…

This essay addresses problems associated with technology used in the handling of high-resolution visual images in electronic document delivery. Highlights include visual fidelity, laser-driven optical disk storage, electronics versus micrographics for document storage, videomicrographics, and system configurations and peripherals. (EJS)

This report describes the current status of Project INTREX experiments and provides a detailed technical record. Activities concentrating on the bibliographic access problem involve: (1) the investigation of a digitally-encoded, machine-manipulated augmented catalog, for which the task of preparing entries for 10,000 documents is about half…

Activities of the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology (ICST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce during fiscal year 1986 are described in this annual report, which summarizes research and publications by ICST in the following areas: (1) standards and guidelines for computer security, including encryption and message authentication…

Feasibility study findings indicate that a potential reduction in drudgery for the scholar may be obtained through a combination of heretofore divergent solutions to the increasingly critical problem of how researchers will interface with computers for an efficient and effective review of the literature. Presently existing computer software…