Analyzes computer terminal memory performance in terms of overflow probability and average queueing delay, and presents new method to derive a closed expression for data arrivals with Erlangly distributed interarrival times and an approach to derive steady state probability expressions of the terminal memory content process. Twenty references are…

Discusses technological research efforts by the Research and Development Department of the British Library in the areas of videotex, videodisc, and teleconferencing, noting the videotex service known as Prestel and the department's network project, called BLEND (Birmingham and Loughborough Electronic Network Development). (EJS)

Analyzes structure of, and data in, the OCLC-MARC record in the form delivered via OCLC's Tape Subscription Service, and outlines important processing functions involved: "unreadable tapes," duplicate records and deduping, match processing, choice processing, locations processing, "automatic" and "input" stamps,…

Presents a system model for transmission of input data that is coming from terminals of users in a limited user resource-sharing environment. Performance of a mini/microcomputer receiving mixture of picture-phone terminal data is analyzed with constant service times, synchronous transmission, and single-server interruptions through first-order…

This overview of the current users, common features, functions, and applications of online electronic information exchange systems, includes a discussion of both the benefits of such systems, and the problems they are likely to create. (RBF)

Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

Recognizing that the use of resource sharing capabilities provided by computer networks is inhibited by the requirement that the user become familiar with the varied command languages and protocols of each accessed system, this report presents a general approach to solving the problem using an intermediary system to support a set of common…

Brief discussion of state-of-the-art of modeling complex information systems distinguishes between macrolevel and microlevel modeling of such systems. Network layout and hierarchical system models, simulation, information acquisition and dissemination, databases and information storage, and operating systems are described and assessed. Thirty-four…

After discussing the nature of timeliness and its importance to the user of information systems, this document examines the factors which affect timeliness in three subsystems of the scientific communication system. The first subsystem moves a document from the existence of new knowledge to the point of entry into an information system; the second…

This discussion of uploading (the transmission of information from local memory to a remote system) covers benefits, disadvantages, host system features, technical aspects, and four examples of uploading using CROSSTALK. Examples include function keys, searcher assistance with commonly-used terms, the use of hedges and boiler-plate searching, and…

Describes computer operating systems applicable to microcomputers, noting hardware components, advantages and disadvantages of each system, local area networks, distributed processing, and a fully configured system. Lists of hardware components (disk drives, solid state disk emulators, input/output and memory components, and processors) and…

Availability of low-cost digital optical disks will revolutionize storage and retrieval systems over next decade. Three major factors will effect this change: availability of disks and controllers at low-cost and in plentiful supply; availability of low-cost and better output means for system users; and more flexible, less expensive communication…

Developments in EUDISED (European Documentation and Information System for Education) during the period 1986-1987 in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland are outlined in this report, and information is provided on both online use of the EUDISED database and the distribution by country of contributions to the database.…

Discusses trends in computer technology and their use for library catalogs, noting the concept of bandwidth (describes quantity of information transmitted per given unit of time); computer hardware differences (micros, minis, maxis); distributed processing systems and databases; optical disk storage; networks; transmission media; and terminals.…

The Professional Development Center Network (PDC), a consortium of twenty public school districts, parochial schools, and Western Kentucky University, seeks to identify and secure resources to assist in the design and delivery of activities appropriate to the educational development of individual staff members through the online Information…