This review of the research on subject access to library collections focuses on the problems of and prospects for improved online subject access to library collections. Summaries of the general findings of studies on library catalog use and catalog users and some reasons for the frequent failure of subject searches in library catalogs are followed…

This paper describes a system which operates on an independent basis as well as connected to communications network, e.g., PLATO and ASCII based communication systems. The system also has facilities for local production and use of PILOT lessons, for support of a generalized programming language (NSBASIC), and for development of graphic sequences.…

The online catalog discussed in this report extends the present microfiche union catalog development by providing online access to bibliographic records for the holdings of the University of California Libraries. The specifications for the user interface through which the library patron communicates with the online systems to locate materials are…

The ideal traits for an online searcher, as identified in studies by online vendors and suppliers, are discussed: (1) curiosity and a desire to learn, (2) adaptability, (3) comfortableness with the machine interaction process, (4) ability to cope with instances of system failure, (5) patience and persistence, and (6) a logical, thorough,…

The Augmented Human Intellect (AHI) system is a computer-based system designed to store, structure, and retrieve textual information in a way congruent with the characteristics of the individual. It provides for the hierarchical ordering of information and for the manipulation of text through a system of cross-referencing, modification, and…

Past problems encountered in the use of computers are discussed. They include: (1) computing and data storage costs; (2) machine speed and capacity limitations; and (3) the limited number of languages and Input/Output devices available to facilitate man/machine communication. The improvements in all of these areas are explained. The problems which…

Research was done to develop techniques to facilitate natural communication between computers and people, other computers, and real time devices. The work was divided into tasks covering representation of semantic information, special purpose languages, real-time input-output, pattern recognition, and time-sharing research and modeling. (Author)

This report describes implementation and exercising of simulation models for a portion of user behavior in the library setting. The emphasis is on user estimations of timing and convenience factors of service and how these are affected by actual service. The report begins with an oversimplified view of the user and becomes progressively more…

This report describes for the potential user a set of procedures for processing textual materials on-line. In this preliminary model an information analyst can scan through messages, reports, and other documents on a display scope and select relevant facts, which are processed linguistically and then stored in the computer in the form of logical…

This dissertation presents a pragmatic interpreter/translator called Real English to serve as a natural language man-machine communication interface in a multi-mode on-line information retrieval system. This multi-mode feature affords the user a library-like searching tool by giving him access to a dictionary, lexicon, thesaurus, synonym table,…

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)

The first prototype for a teaching experiment at a U. S. Air Force technical training school are described in this report from the Educational Technology Program at M.I.T.'s Lincoln Laboratory. The terminals are part of the hardware for the Lincoln Training System (LTS), combining audiovisual and computer-aided instruction. The report states that…

The report describes hardware and software development for Lincoln Training System #3 (LTS-3) at M.I.T.'s Lincoln Laboratory. The report provides specifications of an LTS-3 student console, and describes refinements of LTS-3 teaching techniques and lesson materials resulting from a test of the system at a U. S. Air Force technical training school.…

In an attempt to overcome the lack of natural means of communication between student and computer, this thesis addresses the problem of developing a system which can understand natural language within an educational problem-solving environment. The nature of the environment imposes efficiency, habitability, self-teachability, and awareness of…