Provides a method for estimating precision without examining individual database documents, which requires knowledge of only the query or expressed information need and a set of database parameters constant for all queries. Concepts of historic and expected precision are examined, and applications of precision-document graphs are assessed. (36…

Presents a set of methods and results for characterizing decision making while searching online databases. The discussion compares these results to studies of decision making in other contexts, and examines the role of user uncertainty and expectations, as well as implications of the findings for database design and user training. (37 references)…

Discusses digital convergence, moral responsibilities, democratic principles, and the need to provide access to basic equipment that can be part of an information network; access to public information, including the ability to receive and transmit information necessary for effective citizen participation; and effective interfacing, i.e.,…

Discusses problems with integrating computers into college curricula from both student and faculty perspectives. A lack of faculty computer literacy is discussed; learning the process of computer use versus the purposes for computer use is addressed; the interaction between faculty, students, and computers is considered; and possible solutions are…

Reviews student use of electronic searching tools and the effect of software changes on user satisfaction and success. Discusses the results of two surveys of InfoTrac users before and after software changes at Northern Illinois University, and proposes three strategies systems developers can take to balance the differing needs of sophisticated…

Discussion of the potential for academic libraries to provide improved opportunities for patrons with disabilities focuses on access to online information, including online catalogs, campuswide information systems, CD-ROM products, graphical user interfaces, and electronic documents. Other considerations include location of online resources,…

Provides detailed instructions for setting up general purpose CD-ROM workstations using IBM compatible microcomputers and tells how to make CD-ROM disks available to the general user. Use of standardized hardware and software, utility programs, DOS batch files, a shell program, and a hypertext program at the University of Idaho Library are…

Demonstrates the use of foundational elements of Keiretsu to construct a feasible model for the effective and efficient use of technology in distance education. Six major models of distance education are described; and concerns in distance education are discussed, including access, human interaction, fiscal concerns, and technology concerns. (16…

Discussion of goal-based scenario (GBS) learning environments focuses on a training module designed to prepare consultants with new skills in managing clients, designing user-friendly graphical computer interfaces, and working in a client/server computing environment. Transforming the environment from teaching focused to learning focused is…

Describes research at Leicester Polytechnic Institute (UK) which examined possible applications of decision support system tools in libraries; in particular, this research explored the role of decision support systems in relation to the development of resources allocation modelling. (five references) (MAB)

Discusses the human-computer interface as it relates to information technology and retrieval. Principles of interface design are examined, including visual display features and help messages; information retrieval applications are described, including online searching, CD-ROM, online public access catalogs (OPACs), and full-text databases; and…

The changes in the relationship between the computer and user from that of an isolated productivity tool to than of an active collaborator in the acquisition, use, and creation of information, as well as a facilitator of human interaction are discussed. The four paradigms of computing are compared. (KR)

Describes five interfaces to remote, full-text databases accessed through distributed systems of servers. These are WAIStation for the Macintosh, XWAIS for X-Windows, GWAIS for Gnu-Emacs; SWAIS for dumb terminals, and Rosebud for the Macintosh. Sixteen illustrations provide examples of display screens. Problems and needed improvements are…

Discusses the positive transfer of computer-related skills to new computer tasks and reviews transfer-related literature to provide recommendations to facilitate better transfer of students' skills from introductory computer classes to future needs. Topics addressed include course goals, user interfaces, problem solving, and software. (Contains 60…

Issues concerning the implementation of standard user interfaces for CD-ROMs are discussed, including differing perceptions of the ideal interface, graphical user interfaces, user needs, and the standard protocols. It is suggested users should be able to select from a variety of user interfaces on each CD-ROM. (EA)