bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image processing and page representation: part 4
Authors: Cawkell Tony
Published: February 2008

The penultimate article in this series commences with a few remarks about the size and ebullience of the market for ‘output’ devices, followed by a consideration of display techniques. The functioning of a Cathode Ray Tube display is explained, moving on to colour tubes and the steadily improving methods for handling colour and graphics. The article gives a brief description of alternative displays including plasma, electroluminescent, liquid crystal, and light emitting diode panels.
Negotiating your way through the pitfalls of CD‐ROM installation
Authors: Jacsó P.
Published: February 2008

This article describes the wide variety of installation standards, conventions and procedures currently maintained by the publishers of CD‐ROMs, and the problems this can cause for the user. It is designed to offer a guide through the pitfalls of CD‐ROM installation, and lists hardware and software requirements for users of IBM PCs and compatibles. It is based on the experience of the author who carried out a survey of CD‐ROMs for the University of Hawaii.
The contribution of library and information science to expert system development
Authors: O'Neill Margaret , Morris Anne
Published: February 2008

As technological progress races on, the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession is continually faced with new challenges and new technologies to aid in the effective dissemination and use of information. This paper looks at the challenge and implications of expert systems technology for LIS. It will discuss in particular the possible contribution of LIS to expert systems development, in the light of a recent survey of 50 expert systems producers in the United Kingdom, conducted by the authors. It concludes that there is room and need for LIS skills in expert systems development teams, but that these skills may need to be augmented by more specific computing experience if LIS graduates are to have a realistic chance of employment in this area.
Using WordPerfect to sort for duplicate titles
Authors: Schiffman Genevieve
Published: February 2008

High on the wish list of both searchers and end users is getting printouts with duplicate titles flagged or deleted. WordPerfect can manipulate both tagged or untagged bibliographic retrievals. Its macro feature can be used to set up a simple and cost‐effective strategy to standardize the initial sorting position among several retrievals and to sort these multi‐database retrievals for duplicates.
Stormy weather in the datasphere: the problems of pricing and marketing electronic information
Authors: Arnold Stephen E.
Published: February 2008

A specter is getting fat and sassy in the United States, and he's planning a trip to your homeland soon, maybe tomorrow.
Image processing and page presentation: part 5
Authors: Cawkwell Tony
Published: February 2008

This final instalment covers present generation printers and includes a description of printer control languages, particularly Postscript, and colour printers. The concluding section is about the use of image processing in libraries as embodied in page preservation systems, facsimile—which has had a long chequered career—Desktop Publishing, with some examples of the kind of work being done in libraries, and Compact Discs.
Automatic indexing in the Science and Social Science Citation Index CD‐ROM
Authors: Cawkell A.E.
Published: February 2008

It's hard to resist the temptation to produce once again my rather poor attempt at copying Tenniel's sketch from ‘Through The Looking Glass’. The quotation from the book accompanying the sketch shown in Figure 1, is Humpty‐Dumpty's immortal comment on the Indexing Problem.
Impact assessment on electronic publishing in the Federal Republic of Germany: part one
Authors: Riehm Ulrich , Wingert Bernd , Böhle Knud , Gabel‐Becker Ingrid , Loeben Manfred
Published: February 2008

The impact assessment on electronic publishing (EP) is a project conducted jointly by the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Centre and the Society for Mathematics and Data Processing (GMD), Darmstadt. The project is partly subsidised by the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology which has installed a project board, in that respect following the model of OTA. It can be seen in the broader context of the two German EP projects (in the publishing and patent fields), which were part of the DOCDEL programme of the EEC and were cofunded by the Ministry for Research and Technology. The publishers' project experimented with a markup language for the establishment of full text databases, thus having some resemblance with the standard generalised markup language (SGML) project of the Association of American Publishers.
Impact assessment on electronic publishing in the Federal Republic of Germany: part two
Authors: Riehm Ulrich , Böhle Knud , Wingert Bernd , Gabel‐Becker Ingrid , Loeben Manfred
Published: February 2008

The project's approach and focus as well as some results of phase I (1986) and II (1987) are reported in Part 1. Each phase of the project combined different tasks:
Archiving of electronic publications
Authors: Blake Monica
Published: February 2008

Using questionnaires and interviews, a survey was undertaken of publishers/producers of electronic information with regard to retention, storage and access. It was found that, although some large publishers were innovative with their use of electronic material for different purposes, many commercial publishers are only gradually getting involved with electronic production methods and few have policies on electronic archiving. Among publishers, there is a low level of awareness of the Knowledge Warehouse project and a marked disinclination to deposit material with a national electronic archive on a voluntary basis. Database producers have more interest in electronic archiving and take more measures to refresh their magnetic media. There is some evidence of material produced in electronic form only that is in danger of being deleted from databases, electronic newsletters and videotex. CD‐ROM is the medium of the future for several publishers and database producers. The archival life of various electronic media is considered, and standards relating to electronic publishing are discussed. Some initiatives in electronic archiving are described.
PC Corner
Authors: Roberts Jim
Published: February 2008

I have now been writing this column for one year. If I am to last out another year, it would help if I had some more questions and feedback from you readers. Following an invitation to speak at a conference (from readers of this column) where I was requested to discuss the impact of the Macintosh, it also seems clear that I should restate my position.
The Online Public Access Catalogue at the Cité des Sciences Médiathèque in Paris
Authors: Witt Maria
Published: February 2008

1983 saw the birth of the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie at La Villette in Paris and with it a multimedia library. The library currently holds some 300,000 documents as well as thousands of films, slides and computer programs. Entirely automated, the library uses two systems: MEDICIS for its acquisitions and cataloguing and GEAC for the circulation and online public access catalogue (OPAC). This is the first OPAC in France and is also accessible through the French Minitel videotex network. The library is divided into adult, children and research sections and also has an educational software area as well as a specially equipped room for the visually handicapped. This article describes the library and its catalogue, stock and services and notes the reactions and habits of users.
PC Corner
Authors: Roberts Jim
Published: February 2008

I have received no questions suitable for this column in the last couple of months, so I will try a bit of philosophy instead, and some crystal ball gazing into the next decade.
The importance of ISO 9660
Authors: Kovarick Amy
Published: February 2008

ISO 9660 is the standard CD‐ROM file format which allows the information on a CD‐ROM to be used on many different computers. Although some industry estimates suggest that as many as 40% of all CD‐ROM titles use ISO 9660, many publishers are still using other file formats such as High Sierra. This situation is detrimental to the CD‐ROM industry and for end users. This article explains what ISO 9660 is and why its use is important.
The Electronic Bookmobile
Authors: Suyak Alloway Catherine
Published: February 2008

Bookmobiles have been an important part of public library service for over a century. Traditionally they have delivered recreational reading material, but new technologies now make it possible for high‐tech bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. Telecommunications options such as mobile data radio, cellular telephone, and the use of satellites make online circulation, database searching, and facsimile service feasible for library mobile units. Optical disc and other compact storage technologies as well as state‐of‐the‐art navigation systems also have bookmobile applications. Unfortunately, the high cost of technology, particularly for mobile telecommunications, is among the problems delaying the development and commonplace use of ‘electronic bookmobiles’.
Macintosh Potentials
Authors: Welsch Erwin K.
Published: February 2008

In the first column of this series, I discussed the basics of using a Macintosh. In this one I will continue the discussion of printing, relate it to the new operating system (System 7.0), outline factors in the transition from a DOS‐based to a Macintosh‐based micro, and begin listing information sources about the Macintosh.
SST: secure, error‐free file transfer package
Authors: Bell Steven J.
Published: February 2008

The SST (Super Simple Transfer) package simplifies PC file transfers by automating modern setup and using menus to conduct transfers. Error‐free transmission and data security are provided. SST runs on IBM/PCs, ATs PSI2s and compatible computers. The package sells for $89.95 from Interoffice Communications Systems, 606 South Olive St., Suite 1420, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA. Telephone: +1(213)622–5972.
Laser printers: part 2
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

In the summary table on laser printers, the price shown is the manufacturer's list price. Competition among vendors of laser printers is now quite fierce and most of these machines are available from retailers at ‘street’ prices considerably lower than list. However, the street discount may be very different for different printers. For example, at the time this article was written, the NEC LC890, which lists for $4975 was advertised by a local retailer at $2849 (43% discount). The Panasonic KX P4450, which lists for $2595, was advertised at $1250 (52% discount). The Ricoh 6000/PS, which lists for $3499 was advertised at $2595 (26% discount). The HP LaserJet IIP, which lists at $1495 was advertised at $949 (37% discount).
Distribution of books to less developed countries
Authors: Raitt D.
Published: February 2008

Researchers, students and others in less developed countries (LDCs) need access to the latest technology and ideas in order to further their own studies and research and increase their own knowledge and self‐sufficiency. Whilst a certain amount of aid is forthcoming from many countries it is not often translated into scientific and technical books and journals.
The use of WORM optical disc storage for newspaper cuttings in a public library
Authors: Fulton Alan R.
Published: February 2008

The Local History Department of the Central Library in Aberdeen has a collection of some 2300 volumes of locally produced newspapers, and a press cuttings file with 101 000 sheets of cuttings. The paper describes the optical disc system chosen to help solve the problems of storage and access to this volume of material.
Macintosh Potentials
Authors: Welsch Erwin K.
Published: February 2008

In the first two columns of this series, I covered the basics of several Macintosh models, the importance of the various printing options, and the new System 7.0 due to be implemented in 1990. I also started listing sources of information about the Macintosh. This column will discuss briefly a new model of the Macintosh (IIfx) that appeared in April, start a series on application programs (beginning with wordprocessing), focus on some programs specifically useful in a library environment, and continue to list sources of information about the Macintosh.
The Electronic Library Manager's Guide to Information Exchange after Death
Authors: Raitt D.
Published: February 2008

I was reading the first issue of Multimedia Review the other day and came across a description of the ‘wisdom continuum’ coined by John Joss, an aviation journalist. The continuum flows from data, which holds no information by itself, to information, which is data organised within a greater structure of context or meaning, thence to knowledge, which is the integration and application of informational entities such that solutions to problems can be found, and finally to wisdom, which is procedural knowledge enriched with experience (Traub 1990).
Practices of printers in relation to electronic archiving
Authors: Blake Monica
Published: February 2008

Using a questionnaire and interviews, a survey was undertaken of the practices of printers in relation to electronic archiving. Printers were found to be flexible with regard to coding systems, and many used the ISO standard SGML. Material was retained in electronic form after publication—often in the form of magnetic tape. Sensible precautions were taken when storing this material. Printers had a high level of awareness of electronic archiving and several had a policy on the topic.
Small but pristine — lessons for small library automation
Authors: Clement Russell , Robertson Dane
Published: February 2008

Small libraries are often more successful at effective automation than the large resource‐rich research libraries. One reason is that their pragmatic attitudes turn many of the small libraries' disadvantages in the areas of collection, staff and budget size to their advantage. Small collections are more readily automated and easily accessed, they have limited automation budgets and measurable improvements in basic services and operations receive top priority. This creates a results‐oriented accountability which pressures smaller libraries to make their systems work or to look elsewhere. Large libraries, by contrast, are often disappointed when overly ambitious automation projects flounder. Bringing software development in‐house often only compounds the problem. This paper argues that large libraries should follow the lead of their less prestigious neighbors by focusing on a more practical approach to automation.
Selecting a local area network for an academic environment
Authors: Aman Mohammed M. , Fong Wilfred W. , Diodato Virgil
Published: February 2008

A local area network (LAN) connects computers, printers, modems and other devices located near each other, often in an office environment. The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at the University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee provides a case study of selecting and using a LAN in an academic program environment. Consideration of various types of LANs took place during the selection of a LAN for SLIS. The advantages of having a LAN at SLIS have been the sharing of printers and other devices, the use of electronic mail, improvement in office management and cooperative research, and easier access to information and files available in the school.
Telecommunications Tutorial ‐ Part 4
Authors: Cawkell A.E.
Published: February 2008

Having gently (I hope) reprimanded Charles Oppenheim (everyone knows Charles) about his cavalier attitude to Information Theory (Cawkell 1990), I received a letter from him saying “I watch television but have no understanding of how it works. What's more I do not need to have such knowledge in order to make better use of it”.
Laptop CD‐ROM drives
Authors: Raitt David
Published: February 2008

There are a growing number of laptop or portable CD‐ROM drives, some of them quite attractive to look at, and all as different in their own way as they are similar. While TEL does not purport (regrettably!) to be a Byte or a PC Magazine and offer exhaustive tests and evaluations of hardware and software products, at least the following will give you some idea of what's available. It should be noted that some portable CD‐ROM drives are just standalone readers which require being connected to a microcomputer; others, however, are PCs in their own right.
New media, new messages: innovation through adoption of hypertext and hypermedia technologies
Authors: Huston Mary M.
Published: February 2008

We live in an age in which decisions made about information access today will have a profound impact on the libraries and librarians of tomorrow. Emerging new developments in information and communication technologies are already affecting the ways we organize work, seek information and develop innovations. Emerging hypertext and hypermedia systems promise to further support new levels of human creativity through explicitly linking related facts and ideas. Project development, too, requires the evolution of new working relationships between librarians, programmers and other team members. Such changes can best occur in the context of nontraditional organizational structures which nurture human creativity and innovativeness among its members.
Managing technological change in libraries and information services
Authors: Klobas Jane E.
Published: February 2008

This paper examines factors to be considered in the management of technological change in libraries and information services. The factors include the organisational climate or ‘environment for change’ and other factors that are specific to introduction of a new product, system or service. The author concentrates on the need for energetic, authoritative leadership; clear goals: the commitment of users, staff and management: timing; and resources. The importance of consultation, attention to political processes and communicating (or ‘marketing’) the change is stressed.
Marketing electronic information in the 1990s
Authors: Arnold Stephen E.
Published: February 2008

‘Marketing information’ is one of the litanies of electronic publishing in the 1990s. But who really knows how to market electronic information?
PC Corner
Authors: Roberts Jim
Published: February 2008

A number of interesting questions have come in recently. Please keep them coming in.
Datafax 4.0: simple text storage and retrieval
Authors: Lundeen Gerald
Published: February 2008

Datafax 4.0 is a relatively simple text storage and retrieval package with limited functionality. Datafax 4.0 is for use with IBM/PCs, ATs, PS/2s and compatible computers. The package sells for $99 (business version $299), All Easy‐Software Corp.. 28052 Camino Capistrano ♯201. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, USA. Tel: (800) ALL‐EASY, (714) 364‐2886.
The power of imaging
Authors: Haapaniemi Peter
Published: February 2008

Imaging is rapidly gaining usage across businesses and institutions because of its special technology which allows huge numbers of words, pictures and other illustrations to be reduced to a tiny fraction of the space needed to store originals. The emergence of imaging is being seen in numerous and varied applications around the world. Some of them chronicled in the article are: — Images on billions of pieces of paper are being transformed to image systems at the US National Archives. There, documents are stored in less than 0.5% of the space required on paper. — Businesses in the United States have an estimated 324 billion paper documents stored — 95% of business information is stored on paper. Corporations are seeking ways to apply imaging systems to this problem. The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) estimates that the market for imaging systems will be $6.8 billion by 1993. — Imaging technology is established to enable users to use a kind of electronic shorthand to reduce such illustrations as engineering drawings from 8 Mb to 300 kb — thus enhancing ability to transmit and share such drawings at remote sites. — Banks have a massive need to use imaging systems to process checks, now a time‐consuming and expensive task. Since all of this work is now done by humans, use of imaging eliminates the repetitive and boring aspect of the work. — Electronic filing systems can retrieve file folders in a matter of seconds. Ordinary file folders require manual handling and misfiling is a problem. Insurance claims processing requires massive amounts of paperwork and storage. With imaging systems, these claims can be electronically processed and available to remote users. — Companies such as American Express, American Airlines and American Hospital Corporation all are using imaging systems to gain competitive advantage in dealing with their enormous loads of paperwork.
CD‐ROM drive units for personal computers
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

CD‐ROM (Compact Disk Read‐Only Memory) drive units allow data stored on optical discs to be read into a computer. The discs are essentially the same as the compact discs used in home high fidelity audio systems. Like audio compact discs, or computer floppy disks, a CD‐ROM disc can be inserted into the drive unit for data reading, then removed and replaced by other CD‐ROM discs.
Macintosh Potentials
Authors: Welsch Erwin K.
Published: February 2008

In an announcement, Apple conceded that System 7.0, whose delay was suggested as likely in the previous column, would not appear until sometime during the first half of 1991. The delay was attributed to the need for quality assurance and high standards (MacWeek, 25 Sept. 1990, p. 1). Since many developers, commercial firms and users are waiting to use the new system's power and see how it will compare with the implementation of Windows and other graphic user interfaces, the continued delay was a disappointment.
The librarian as change agent in the diffusion of technological innovation
Authors: Callahan Diane R.
Published: February 2008

Librarians face new roles in the computer dominated electronic information environment. As change agents responsible for diffusing the new technology, they must bridge the gap between technology and the end user in a manner that enables the end user to effectively and efficiently use available technology. In order to accomplish this proactive role, librarians must be conversant with the technology, provide bibliographic instructions, and assist users in addressing information needs and evaluating the relevance of information retrieved. To achieve these ends, librarians must again become educators and not merely custodians of the world's knowledge.
AVAGIO: simple page layout
Authors: Bewsey Julia J.
Published: February 2008

AVAGIO is an economical, easy to use desktop publishing package. AVAGIO runs on PCs and compatible computers equipped with CGA, EGA, VGA or Hercules Graphics card, and a mouse. The package sells for $299.95 from Unison World, 1321 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501, USA. Tel: (800) 444‐8553.
Adapter boards for local area networks
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

LANs (Local Area Networks) offer a flexible way to interconnect personal computers with each other, and with shared resources such as large central disk files, printers, and larger computers.
ELNET — the electronic library database system
Authors: King Shirley V.
Published: February 2008

ELNET, the electronic library network, is one of a new generation of Japanese database systems which allows not only searching of index terms and free text terms from articles but also allows the searcher to order, using a simple command, fax copies of the original full‐text Japanese documents to be sent to him in seconds.
Global marketing of managed information access
Authors: Smith Malcolm
Published: February 2008

As the world's largest document supply centre, the British Library has re‐examined the needs of its customers in the 1990s. Operating in an international marketplace, we recognise that our ‘wholesale’ role is becoming increasingly attractive to a wide range of commercial ‘information intermediaries’. These intermediaries have the potential to provide a high‐quality service to local and specialist end users, often in combination with other services and complementary information sources. To meet the higher expectations of our future customers the British Library has developed plans to strengthen this market infrastructure and to support the needs of qualified intermediaries fully. The developing markets and information ‘customers’ are beginning to value ‘managed information access’ realistically. With afresh approach to the management and development of its commercial service portfolio, the British Library believes that the new standards it is now setting for the support of customers within the emergent market infrastructure will facilitate many new opportunities for information professionals and related suppliers. The paper describes the underlying themes that have led the British Library's document supply centre to evolve an enhanced commercial strategy and maintain its reputation for international leadership.
SuperCard: scripting tool for Macintosh
Authors: Porter Katherine R.
Published: February 2008

SuperCard is a scripting tool for creating new Macintosh applications from scratch,for assembling new applications from other Macintosh applications, from HyperCard stacks, or from external commands or functions. SuperCard runs on the Macintosh Plus, SE, SE/30, Macintosh II or IIx using the 6.02 System and Finder 6.1 (or later). It requires 1 Mb of RAM memory to run, or 2 Mb to run in color. The program sells for $199 and is produced by Silicon Beach Software, Inc., 9770 Carroll Center Road, Suite J, San Diego, CA 92126, USA. Tel: +1 (619) 695‐6956.
CD‐ROM publishing systems
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

Several systems, ranging in price from about $30 000 to over $200 000, are now available to aid database publishers and other organizations in disseminating information products on CD‐ROM media.
Teaching information technology: a challenging task
Authors: van Brakel Pieter A.
Published: February 2008

Trying to keep track of new developments in the information technology area is nearly a full‐time activity — not to mention the complexity of evaluating various options of a certain product once funds have been allocated to implement IT for a specific task or function in an information service. However, one's problems do not end after the piece of electronic equipment has been purchased, be it as straightforward as a matrix printer, or a sophisticated communication card to connect your LAN to the local X.25 network. Making the equipment function according to the specific requirements of a certain environment, training staff members to use it optimally, and even maintaining and later updating or upgrading it, are all part of the challenge the practitioner of information technology has to cope with.
The future of paper in the information society
Authors: Paulapuro Hannu
Published: February 2008

The role of paper within the information society, in connection with the growth of electronic media, is discussed. The development of electronic media over the last 10–15 years is briefly reviewed, and trends and developments in paper use in relation to electronic media and other technological developments are explained. Comparisons are drawn between electronic media and paper for information transmission and human use, and the environmental pressures on the paper industry are discussed. The author concludes that paper will be augmented and complemented by electronic media, but not replaced.
Software for information storage and retrieval tested, evaluated and compared Part 1 — General introduction
Authors: Sieverts Eric G. , Hofstede Marten
Published: February 2008

In this first article of a series, several categories of microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval are distinguished and characterised: (1) classical retrieval systems, (2) end‐user software, (3) indexing programs, (4) full‐text retrieval programs, and (5) personal information managers. In addition, the special retrieval techniques of hypertext and best‐match searching are discussed. The 20‐odd programs which will be assessed in subsequent articles are characterised according to these categories. As an introduction to the coming comparison and assessment, a systematic listing and discussion of properties and functions of ISR software is presented.
Power conditioning: insurance or snake oil?
Authors: Graves Randall , Clement Russell
Published: February 2008

Power conditioning measures are taken to ensure the supply of ‘clean’ electrical power for electrical and electronic installations. This article looks at the circumstances that create a need for power conditioning, with particular reference to library installations. The first part of the paper examines the causes and effects of power problems, treating some of the basic issues and problems associated with clean power, while the later sections focus on preventative measures and solutions to allow an installation to operate with clean power. Finally, the question of static electricity is briefly addressed and some protective measures are suggested.
Lower‐cost communications with 9600 bps modems
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

If you had been using a 300 bit per second (bps) modem, then switched to a 1200 bps unit, as so many users did a few years ago, you were probably impressed with the changes you saw. Transmissions that formerly swept slowly across lines of text at 300 bps began producing those lines at heartbeat rates. With 2400 bps modems the text appeared even more rapidly, but that was by no means the upper limit of data transmission speeds from personal computers. Today, modems are available to pump out data at rates of 9600 bps, and faster.
JANET: an overview for libraries
Authors: Stone Peter
Published: February 2008

JANET, the United Kingdom Joint Academic Network, was established in 1984 by the Computer Board for Universities and Research Councils, and is now funded by its successor, the Information Systems Committee (ISC) of the Universities Funding Council. JANET links users to the facilities of over 2000 registered computers on more than 150 sites within the UK. All universities, polytechnics, and the institutes funded by the research councils are connected, as are many other educational institutions. There is also a growing number of industrial and commercial organisations connected, all working in collaboration with members of the academic community. Of specific interest to libraries, the British Library, the National Libraries of Scotland and Wales, SLS, Blackwells and OCLC are all directly linked, and many more suppliers and utilities can be reached through gateways to other networks worldwide.
Information developments and trends in Europe and elsewhere
Authors: Raitt David
Published: February 2008

There has been some recent discussion that online, as we know it, is now old‐fashioned and out‐dated—being superseded by CD‐ROM and other technologies. The paper examines the various arguments and looks at where online is going by briefly reviewing some of the developments and trends happening in Europe and elsewhere. It does not purport to be a detailed technical report, but merely provides an overview.
Evaluation of hypertext software to create a public browsing system in a museum
Authors: Morrall Anne
Published: February 2008

This study evaluated four different packages containing the hypertext facility for use in a browsing system at a museum. The browsing system envisaged would be on a medical or health topic and would be placed in the permanent exhibition area of the South African Medical Research Council at the South African Museum in Cape Town. The packages evaluated were Hyperties, Guide, KnowledgePro and CoNET. They all run on IBM‐compatible microcomputers. The Hyperties package was found to be the most suitable of the four for the application required. The comparative ease and speed with which a database can be created and the ease of use of a browsing system created with this package were the primary reasons for preferring this program. The experience gained in the study showed that the time which would be required to create the browsing system envisaged using Hyperties would not be excessive. Since the cost of the hardware required for the basic system is also not high, the proposed browsing system could be implemented cost effectively. The implementation of the browsing system did not form part of the study.
The highway to establishing a commercial information retrieval system
Authors: Lodder Margaret
Published: February 2008

The CSIR's Division of Information Services has developed a sophisticated information access and retrieval system from which it will be able to provide various of its range of information services. The paper describes the road which was followed in order to establish this system. A brief outline is given of the system's three main components, these being a retrieval, a client record management and a communications access component. The system is primarily mainframe‐based and runs on the ADABAS database management platform. This is followed by a description of aspects of the management of the development of this system. Mechanisms had to be put in place to ensure that the development work done was in line with the business requirements of the Division. Effective means of ensuring sufficient communication with the many different participants in the project — including line management, contractors and consultants, operators of the computing facilities and systems development staff—had to be found. Procedures were put in place to schedule and monitor the many and varied tasks involved in the project. The project also led to the development of a macro‐level model of the Division's activities. This model is being developed in increasing levels of detail to provide for the highly integrated nature of the Division's activities and hence of its systems. Lessons learnt in the project, problems experienced and achievements are described.
Online help to end‐users in a networked environment
Authors: Meyer Paul
Published: February 2008

Most computer users are familiar with the idea of the online tutorial and online help functions, as these apply to database, spreadsheet and wordprocessing programs. Such programs vary in complexity, and full training of some depth is usually required, which may come from formal courses, manuals or online tutors. Two trends, however, have emerged which require that a simpler approach to computer training is adopted: namely the increasing use of end‐user information retrieval systems, and the spread of networks which make these systems available in a decentralised environment. End‐users in a networked system may now have to rely less on centralised formal training and more on help provided by the systems themselves, which places a burden on system designers to provide such help functions. However, system designers are not always the best people to provide proper help functions as they do not necessarily understand the users' perceptions of the systems. The people better suited for this are the information specialists and librarians who deal with the end‐user on a daily basis. A good example of a networked end‐user system is the OPAC, the online catalogue, which may have thousands of users with different levels of computer experience, all of whom have to be taught to make use of the computer system in the simplest way possible. The challenge here is to understand how the OPAC end‐user perceives the bibliographic record, and how to inculcate an understanding of the new ways of accessing records that the computer provides. In designing an online help system, the expertise of professional teachers may also have to be sought in order to ensure proper communication between the information specialist and the end‐user. In this paper, the experience gained in installing the OPAC at the University of Cape Town Libraries is used to illustrate these points.
Online searching of patents databases: a Southern African perspective
Authors: Gilson David G.
Published: February 2008

Typical uses of patent information in the South African context are explained briefly, particularly novelty, infringement, family and equivalent searches. Certain computerised patents databases available on the DIALOG and ORBIT systems are outlined, with comments on the types of search for which they are appropriate, and on their limitations in terms of subjects, countries and time periods covered. Cost‐saving strategies and short‐cuts, aimed at reducing the high cost of online patents searching for the South African user, are suggested. These include using Dialog's Dialindex, MAPping, and OneSearch, as well as the use of low‐cost or training databases such as Dialog's ONTAP files and ORBIT s ORBPAT file.
Personal ‘connection machines’
Authors: Roussos Angelo
Published: February 2008

Development of vast information databases goes on unabated in the USA. In future, the emphasis will be the formation of intelligent gateways to integrated online services and mailing/data communication networks, so as to create a single transparent, easy‐to‐use international networking service. This paper centres on the attempt at providing simple gateway access to the large number of networks in place around the world (and beyond?).
Non‐laser printers
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

Just a few years ago, the laser printer was a new and rather expensive gadget with a promising but unknown future. Today, many laser printers sell on the street for less than $1000. They are fast and reliable, and can produce a variety of high‐quality output. In fact, laser printers now provide a base‐line against which other types of printers should be compared. This article discusses the principal non‐laser types of printers, including dot‐matrix, daisy‐wheel, and ink‐jet printers. Examples of currently available dot‐matrix and ink‐jet printers are discussed.
Planning your technology mix: decision factors that meet user needs
Authors: Pagell Ruth
Published: February 2008

As library/information center managers, we face an array of information access choices. With an increased demand for distributed machine‐readable information, we are all examining networking alternatives, using either locally loaded tapes or CD‐ROM databases, in place of or in addition to online timesharing sources. The decision of what information to provide in which machine‐readable format is indeed a complex one for all the players on the information scene — users, librarians/information specialists, systems specialists and commercial information providers. Therefore, we must cooperate and communicate to insure the success of the next generation of information products. Successful managerial decisions will be based on strategic planning and on evaluating a wide range of characteristics beyond the cost and technology factors usually described. This paper examines some of these factors from the perspective of the library manager concerned with serving user needs.
The European Patent Office and its patent information policy
Authors: Giroud Gérard
Published: February 2008

The European patent information policy of the European Patent Organisation (EPO) derives from a 1988 decision of the Administrative Council of the EPO. The intent of the policy is to improve access to patent information for European users, to encourage innovation and to strengthen Europe's position on technical information exchange with Japan and the USA. The EPO markets a number of data products, such as CD‐ROM and online databases, including the services of INPADOC, which was integrated with the EPO in 1990. These data are available at cost to non‐commercial organisations and at market rates for commercial use. The information is also disseminated through European national patent offices, with whom the EPO maintains a close cooperation.
Tape backup for file preservation
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

New developments in tape backup include the use of Digital Audio Tape (DAT) and data compression techniques but, before we take a look at these new features — and some of the available tape units that make use of them — a discussion of tape backup itself seems appropriate. Readers who are thoroughly familiar with tape backup can skip directly to the paragraph headed ‘Data compression for low cost units’.
Software for information storage and retrieval tested, evaluated and compared Part III — End‐user software
Authors: Sieverts E.G. , Figdor J. , Bakker S. , Hofstede M.
Published: February 2008

In this series, specifications, properties and test results of microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval are listed and compared. This article is devoted to the previously defined category of end‐user software, sometimes also referred to as bibliographic formatting software. Eight different programs have been tested and assessed: Archivist, BIB/Search, Library Master, Notebook II, Papyrus, Pro‐Cite, The Ref‐Filer and Reference Manager. All programs run under MS‐DOS, though there are also Apple Macintosh versions for Pro‐Cite and Reference Manager. For each of the eight programs about 100 facts and test results are tabulated. All the programs are individually discussed as well.
Research on humanities information and communication in Britain
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: February 2008

When you admit that you do research on information and communication in the humanities disciplines, a common response is ‘Why on earth do you do that? Surely there is nothing worth knowing that isn't already obvious.’ What the sceptical listener is telling you is that he believes humanist research and scholarship are still firmly wedded to methods, sources and subject matter that have not changed in the centuries since the Middle Ages ended and the Age of Humanism began. The people who tell you this are not fools; they are just as likely to be distinguished librarians or researchers as they are to be outsiders forgivably ignorant of what actually happens in the humanities. The idea that you really need to do very little to help humanist scholarship achieve its ends, and that you certainly don't need to do anything much which is new, follows only too logically from this initial scepticism. Fortunately, it has not been necessary for researchers in Britain to overcome such scepticism to obtain support for investigations in the humanities because the British Library Research and Development Department (BLRDD), the nation's chief information research funding body, has been a committed promoter of such research. Indeed, it has often been ahead of the information research community in its concern for humanities issues.
Use of medical library systems — geographic analysis
Authors: Miido Helis
Published: February 2008

A total of 1641 questionnaires were mailed in March 1990 to members of the US Medical Library Association and the European Association of Health Libraries and Librarians, requesting information on the status of automating the processing of serials and books. Of the 1641 questionnaires mailed, 626 (38%) valid responses were received for analysis. Depending on geographic area, between 37% and 46% of the medical libraries surveyed process all serial functions manually. A greater number of US libraries have automated all procedures for processing serials (11% as opposed to 9% in Canada and 8% in Europe). A greater proportion have automated some procedures (42% in Europe and 40% in both the US and Canada). Between 23% and 34% process all book functions manually. A greater proportion of Canadian libraries have automated all book functions (26% as opposed to 14% in the US and 13% in Europe). A greater proportion of European libraries have automated some book functions (58% as opposed to 47% in the US and 34% in Canada). Personal computers are used more often than the mainframe/minicomputers to process both serials and books. Not all libraries use the same system throughout for automating all library functions, and a number of libraries ‘mix and match’ multiple systems or use systems which are specific to a geographic location. The most frequently used systems on the personal computer and mainframe/minicomputer for processing serials and books are given by function within geographic location.
The possibilities and limitations of document information systems and text management systems in organisations
Authors: van Putten G.W. , Smedinga R.
Published: February 2008

In this article we deal with problems that organisations face with selecting, managing and accessing information sources. We limit ourselves to the question of the extent to which document information systems (DIS) and text management systems (TMS) can contribute towards improving the management and accessibility of information sources. We have decided not to adopt a technical point of view, but to describe the functions DIS and TMS could fulfil. We further explain matters by offering a few examples of TMS applications.
The old and the new in document processing
Authors: Allport Graham , Jarratt Peter
Published: February 2008

TEX is a well‐known system for the production of quality documents, offering the user a high degree of sophistication in the specification of the final format. It has companion packages (most notably LATEX) which allow other document processing activities, including the production of new fonts, pictures and extended production systems. It suffers from the criticism that it is now dated and does not offer WYSIWYG functionality. With the emergence of new technology and more powerful computing at the desktop, there is a high demand for a more graphics‐oriented interface to which the user can relate easily and which immediately lets him see the appearance of the document being planned. However, the emerging wordprocessing and document processing packages still have faults. The project described in this paper was aimed at rescuing the full power of the TEX packages in the newly emerging X‐windows technological context. We describe software which was produced to take full advantage of the facilities of both systems by translating TEX output into bit‐mapped images which can then be displayed on an X‐terminal and mixed with such facilities as the extra fonts available and bit‐maps produced in the X‐environment. An interactive environment is defined that gives the user flexibility in the creation of a document of high quality with a friendly human‐computer interface, which allows the windowing environment to give a new look to an old and well‐tried system. The advantages of this approach are many, and include the use of a well‐understood environment, a large amount of software in the public domain to extend the package and drive printers, and the exploitation of the emerging X‐window standard.
Microcomputers and CD‐ROM: an optimum choice for library automation in China
Authors: Ziwei Ma , Pourciau Lester J.
Published: February 2008

In China, libraries can be grouped into three major categories: (1) the public libraries, headed by the National Library of China and including the provincial, municipal, prefectural, and county libraries; (2) the academic libraries under the control of the Ministry of Education, including the university and college libraries and middle and elementary school libraries; and (3) the libraries of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Academic Sinica), including the science and research libraries. Academic libraries play a very special role in the country among these groups of libraries and are becoming increasingly important, as they are at the centre of information and education on each campus (Ma 1989).
Rewritable optical discs move to 3½ inches
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2008

During the past year there have been several major changes in rewritable optical discs. The most obvious is the advent of 3½ inch rewritable disc drives, which use discs that look much like conventional 3½ inch floppies except that the iridescence of the optical disc surface shows through an open slot in the plastic package.