The role which a supervisor is envisaged to play in the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) is considered. Not only does the ISVD provide career development data/information, but it is intended to assist the client in promoting a sense of personal responsibility for the career decisions he makes. To clarify this latter purpose, the…

This composite report provides summaries of presentations by 10 experts at the 23rd Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing in April 1986 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All were concerned with the design of online systems to make them easier for library patrons to use. (Author/CDD)

Describes a specialist bibliographic database of literature in the field of artificial intelligence created by the Turing Institute (Glasgow, Scotland) using the BRS/Search information retrieval software. The subscription method for end-users--i.e., annual fee entitles user to unlimited access to database, document provision, and printed awareness…

Search Helper, a microcomputer software package marketed by Information Access Company to serve as a gateway to several of their databases, was selected as a system for introducing the Carnegie-Mellon University community to do-it-yourself database searching. Preliminary results of user survey indicate service to be extremely popular with library…

Seven articles present history and overview of an academic online catalog. Highlights include linking of the library circulation system with the full bibliographic record system; planning and maintenance of an online catalog; effect of the online catalog on reference (uses, services, personnel); and a microcomputer-based user interface. References…

Describes application of instructional systems design, dialog design principles, and human factor considerations in developing the Pennsylvania Department of Education's computer-controlled intelligent videodisc system, which allows K-12 teachers to preview language arts television programs and overcome their technology anxiety. The top-down…

Discusses the Civil Servant Module, a new component of Global Systems Simulation, a comprehensive person-computer model for investigating international affairs. Its telecommunication capability, logistics, functions, spatial flexibility, and advantages are described and its implications for applying Global Systems Simulation as a research and…

Advantages and disadvantages discovered during introduction of computerized patient-care recordkeeping at the National Institute of Health's Clinical Center are discussed, including the needs for physicians to change some behaviors and for better records, changes in the relationship between nurse and physician, and adjustment problems in inputting…

In the future, computers will be needed to sift through the vast proliferation of available information. Among new developments in computer technology are the videodisc microcomputers and holography. Predictions for future developments include laser libraries for the visually handicapped and Computer Assisted Dialogue. (JN)

Discusses museum informatics that studies how information science and technology affect the museum environment. Examines digital technology; information organization and access; digitization, personal computers, and the Internet; data sharing; standards; social impacts of new technologies; collaboration; consortia; multimedia exhibits; virtual…

Reports the development of a classification system for microcomputer-based software according to the depth and type of involvement of the user with the software. Three studies are discussed that used the facet approach, multivariate statistical procedures, and questionnaires to investigate types of involvement produced by computer programs. (18…

Identifies factors that reduce the effectiveness of computers as intermediaries and discusses possible negative effects on user satisfaction and the interaction between users and librarians. A set of guidelines for the improvement of online catalogs, based on user needs and abilities, is presented. (41 references) (CLB)

Discussion of graphical user interfaces for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers the history of OPACs; OPAC front-end design, including examples from Indiana University and the University of Illinois; and planning and implementation of a user interface. (10 references) (EA)

Describes the design of a prototype adaptive online catalog that was implemented as a transparent workstation-based front end system to MELVYL, the online catalog for the University of California libraries. Problems with searching bibliographic retrieval systems are reviewed, including irrelevant retrievals and the inexperience of most users.…

Discussion of search strategy formulation focuses on a study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that analyzed how medical students developed and revised search strategies for microbiology database searches. Implications for future research on search behavior, for system interface design, and for end user training are suggested. (16…