Recent research on human factors in the man-machine communications interface is reviewed and discussed as it relates to the problem of establishing optimal system response times for the various kinds of tasks performed at the computer terminal. Optimal system response time is operationally defined, and the conflicting demands of system design,…

With emphasis on currently operating and planned systems that assist users in accessing available network services, this report identifies the techniques used in network access devices. By examining these devices, the trend toward improving the interface between the user and the computer is brought more clearly into focus and up to date. One…

People use a variety of plausible, but uncertain inferences to answer questions about which their knowledge is incomplete. Such inferential thinking and reasoning is being incorporated into the SCHOLAR computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system. Socratic tutorial techniques in CAI systems such as SCHOLAR are described, and examples of their…

The Lincoln Training System (LTS-3) is a computer-assisted instructional system for training Air Traffic Controllers and Basic Electronic students in the United States Air Force. This document describes the components of the system prior to its initial field trial in mid-April 1972 at Kessler Air Force Base. The system is made up of 14 Basic…

The Teacher-Interactive Computer System (TICS) is an on-line and interactive programing system for authoring interactive programs, particularly instructional programs. The system provides a fairly natural language, in which the author's statements for creating items in a program, for examining the structure and flow, for simulating its use by…

Comparison of the use in libraries of open systems--a configuration of software and hardware components from separate vendors linked by interfaces--and integrated systems considers selection of services; reliability; relationships with vendors; time needed to implement systems; and overall effectiveness of both approaches. (CLB)

This article analyzes the front end software marketplace and discusses some of the complex forces influencing it. Discussion covers intermediary market; end users (library customers, scientific and technical professionals, corporate business specialists, consumers); marketing strategies; a British front end development firm; competitive pressures;…

Discusses ability of small computers to hold interface programs, to retrieve data from central source, to manipulate and present that data, and to engage in dialog with system user. An example of a feasible dialog between user and system which mediates and translates user's data into machine terms is highlighted. (EJS)

Explains rationale behind proposed voluntary U.S. standard computerized library catalog called the "Uniform Catalog." Design goals (should mimic manual card catalog, offer simplicity of operation and low overhead, permit modular growth to more advanced catalog), sample search, and nine commands and functions used by "Uniform…

An automated library routine management system was developed in-house to create system unique to the Library and Information Center, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas. A modular approach was used to allow continuity in operations and services as system was implemented. Acronyms and computer accounts and file names are appended.…

Four information retrieval packages that run on single user microcomputers--CAIRS, INMAGIC, Sci-Mate, SIRE--are examined based on following criteria: storage requirements; hardware requirements; search features (Boolean logic, comparison searching, set building, truncation, and wild card characters); system output; security; system maintenance…

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)

Describes file management package offering relatively sophisticated features: conversion of previously downloaded records from commercial database into local file; keyword searching on inverted keyword file; full-text searching on author, title, bibliographic source, abstract; sorting by author, title, bibliographic source, publication year;…

Overview of expert systems (intelligent computer applications that use data, a knowledge base, and a control mechanism to solve problems) highlights history of expert systems; construction (human element, knowledge acquisition and learning, system architecture); limitations; issues and trends; and implications for information science. Thirty-three…

Discusses major features and capabilities of gateway software--microcomputer software packages that act as interfaces between users and bibliographic retrieval systems they are searching--i.e., communication, interface, auxiliary programs. Four programs (In-Search, Universal Online Searcher, Search Helper, microDisclosure) are reviewed and…