bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online and CD‐ROM update
Authors: James Sylvia
Published: February 2008

This review covers developments in digital published information services mostly in the Business Information field. There are however, general trends in the development and marketing of these systems which are of considerable interest and concern to all users or potential users. I will expand the survey of CD‐ROM technology to all Discs and Laser Disc systems especially those usable with hard disc PCs. This perspective is from the viewpoint of an experienced user of online data both as an intermediary and end‐user. We have no CD‐ROM data as yet in the Information Centre at Credit Suisse First Boston Ltd. (CSFB) but several of my managerial staff have used and evaluated CD systems at one of our partners — the First Boston Corporation's Information Centre in New York. We have been using floppy disc based PC stand‐alone systems for some time both in the Information Centre and other areas of the Bank and both published databases and internally developed databases. CSFB is a long established investment bank with an insatiable demand for information of all kinds. We subscribe to some 13 host systems for on‐line database access.
Primitives for an information economy
Authors: Lindsay John
Published: February 2008

There are three really fundamental principles of speaking after dinner. The first is to be humorous, the second is to be brief, I am not going to do that, and the third is not to say anything which might offend your audience. So I thought it would be suitable to start off by introducing you to a tabloid journal that you might not all come across, called Capital Gay. Because in the last year, something very interesting has happened on pages 18 and 19. These are adverts for telephone dating services. One of them according to a very small study has generated one and a half million telephone calls since it started. Their capital costs consist of putting the advert in Capital Gay. There is a difference between peak time charges of 38p a minute and off peak charges of 25p a minute. The only difference, I can imagine, is that the 13p in those differences has gone to British Telecom. Those of you who are nasty and competitive will be pleased to know that not a single one of them uses ‘you know who's’ telephone lines. The only other thing they have to do, is employ somebody called Arthur, who doesn't appear to be a computer, but if you use a few words which he can recognise then he beeps in and disconnects you because either ‘Nanny Telecom’ or somebody outside British Telecom in ‘Nanny Government’ decided the last thing that was to happen in Britain, was that people were to use naughty words over the telephones because after all it's illegal to use naughty words through the mail.
Personal bibliographic software and the provision of computer‐based information services in academic communities
Authors: Hanson T.A.
Published: February 2008

On many occasions when academics have an online search conducted through their libraries they take their printed list of references, for which they have waited patiently for perhaps a week, back to their offices or homes whereupon they will type them all into their microcomputers for local storage using appropriate database management or word‐processing software for the purpose.
The national strategic framework for NHS information management in England
Authors: Hills Peter
Published: February 2008

Earlier this year the Government published a White Paper setting out proposals for the future of the NHS. There has been a great deal of debate about the merits of the various reforms but there is agreement on one aspect. The success or otherwise of the Government's plans depends heavily not only achieving support from the various professions but also on good information systems being in place. IT will not by‐pass health care. Airlines, banks, travel agents, hotels, supermarkets, British Rail and libraries have not invested in new technology for fun. They have done so because it has been efficient — good for business and good for the customers. Health care business is no different.
Managing in management
Authors: Butcher Helen
Published: February 2008

Many organisations have clear career paths for staff which may, if an individual is good enough, take him or her to a place on the decision‐making board. As yet few information specialists have achieved this goal but the opportunities for career advancement are opening up and it is important that those who aspire to middle and senior management are ready to grasp the chance should it be offered.
As you sow, so shall you reap: understanding the value of information
Authors: Cropley Jacqueline
Published: February 2008

It should be plain to all how important a role the librarian plays within the organisation. The value of the information services should be clear. There is a need to concentrate on the impact and significance of the librarian's activities, in situations where there would be visible deficiencies without them. The identification of the organisation's concerns is essential, so that the service can be constantly measured against them. Evaluation must be objective. Constant monitoring of activities can be used to develop awareness of trends in requirements, and changes should be quickly and correctly responded to. The librarian must be imaginative in developing resources that serve genuine needs rather than popular demand. Information should not just be supplied; there is an obligation to ensure that it is used properly. The assessment of value must be directed towards developing the significance of the library services to the user, so that they will be seen as a worthy investment. Much that is currently done may be questioned and rejected. Information is vital to any organisation. It is the librarian's duty to ensure that its provision leads to growth and added value.
Animating the archives
Authors: Aris John
Published: February 2008

Information, as we all know, is an asset. But like most other assets, it conveys no benefit until it is put to use. Land is of no benefit unless you cultivate it, or build on it, or sell it. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but, locked in a bank, they don't do anything for her except, perhaps, provide the warm feeling of potential benefit.
You can tell a book by its cover: an analysis of blurbs
Authors: Solomon Eaglstein A. , Berman Yitzhak
Published: February 2008

In 1966, Clive Bingley described a blurb: A good blurb has a beginning, a middle and an end, a light style and a definite point to make about the content or purpose of the book, as well as an expression of the publisher's own confidence in its merits. This definition specifies that a good blurb contains at least the elements of book praise and book subject matter. Based upon Bingley's definition wide‐ranging and indepth analysis were carried out both within the blurbs of one book and between several books. The sample of books selected for the study were drawn from the fields of sociology, education and psychology and were analysed by the four elements of an analytical framework. Element one of the framework concerned the presence or absence of praise or subject matter in a blurb. Element two dealt with the substantive categories of these two variables. Element three related to a set of other blurb descriptors. Element four consisted of an additional set of variables describing the books of the sample. Combination of simple marginal and cross‐tabulational analysis with appropriate parametric and non‐parametric statistical methods were applied for analysing each element and the relationship of all four elements. The most salient finding was that the Bingley definition proved to serve as a valuable heuristic tool for blurbology, i.e. the scientific study of the blurb. Operationally this meant that no blurbs were found that lacked information concerning praise and subject matter. Further, it was found that praise was a ubiquitous phenomenon. It appeared in over 95% of the blurbs and was consistently high both within and between books. On the other hand, the appearance of other blurb content and descriptor variables was less frequent and more diffuse. There was no evidence of any systematic relationship between book descriptor variables and blurb content. Suggestions for objective and independent research testing blurb selling power were submitted.
Library suppliers as a source of bibliographic information
Authors: Bunce John P.
Published: February 2008

Firstly let's briefly look at what a Library Supplier does. Library Suppliers serve libraries—the major services provided are:
Publishers' bibliographic databases—justification, history and impact
Authors: Allison John
Published: February 2008

A brief examination of the internal reasons for setting up publishers' bibliographic databases, followed by a fuller examination of the external reasons including: —Making information available to the trade generally. —Whitaker, Bowker & Book Data. —Electronic data exchange. —Towards the next generation of systems. —The importance of the publisher in record supply. The paper then describes several systems including MDMS (Pergamon), VISTA (Macmillan) and Star (OUP); their relationship to other systems in house; some of the problems encountered; and some notable achievements.’ Finally, the speaker discusses the next generation system; The effect on record supply; The customer's needs; The composite catalogue online; A model for information supply; Initiatives for progress; Concerned bodies; and asks is another industry umbrella/organisation required?
The preservation of library materials: a case study of University of Science and Technology Library in Ghana
Authors: Ellis Badu Edwin
Published: February 2008

This paper discusses the problems of preservation of library materials in Ghana with particular reference to the Library of the University of Science and Technology, at Kumasi. It provides an overview of the library — its architecture, control area, and materials. The writer then goes on to describe the causes of deterioration, which include biological, chemical, mechanical and natural disasters. Among the recommendations of the paper are the use of fumigation to eliminate insects; the use of air conditioners in all the rooms of the library; deacidification of library materials; and the surveillance of stock whilst they are being used. It is also the view of the writer that a contingency plan should be produced in the library to meet disasters.
The National Library of Nigeria: a case study of the Bauchi State Branch
Authors: Antwi I.K.
Published: February 2008

The paper briefly reviewed the characteristics and functions of national libraries in general. It then gave an overview of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) with special reference to the laws that established it and its functions. The survey was narrowly focused on the present state of the Bauchi State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria. It was found that this branch library is not fully equipped and funded to serve as a bibliographical centre and clearing house to the State. It has also not been effective in providing advisory service on library development and organisation to departments and agencies in the State. Finally, several recommendations were made to improve upon the present level of performance of the NLN Bauchi Branch.
Students use of library resources in a polytechnical institution in Nigeria: a case study of Ibadan Polytechnic Library system
Authors: Nwali L.O.
Published: February 2008

The importance of research in appreciating the problems of libraries and the hypothesis examined in this study are described. The historical background of the Ibadan Polytechnic and the objectives of the library makes for better understanding of the academic environment of this study. The methodology used is described. Ten tables which emanated from this research are analysed and discussed. Recommendations and conclusions are given for the improvement of resources, facilities and services for the good of the Ibadan Polytechnic students.
The network marketplace and its implications
Authors: Martin W.J.
Published: February 2008

This paper has both a theoretical and a practical dimension. It provides a brief overview of developments in the area of Value Added and Data Services, then goes on to report on a recent piece of research in the field. In theoretical terms it owes much to the so‐called ‘Information Economy’ school, which embraces not just the work of Machlup and Porat and of current investigators at among other places, the universities of Newcastle and Sussex but indeed, dates back to the 1930s and to research undertaken first by Kondratieff and then Schumpeter into the links between technological change and economic growth. The research which features in this paper is concerned with the potential contribution of advanced telecommunications to regional economic development, and specifically, with the impact of a new fibre optics‐based telecommunications network on the services sector in Northern Ireland.
Guidelines on the evaluation and selection of library software packages
Authors: Rowley J.E.
Published: February 2008

The evaluation and selection of a library software package, whether it be for library housekeeping, text retrieval or the creation of some other database should be approached as a project. Appropriate strategies for the selection and evaluation of software packages can be based on systems analysis and design methodologies. Stages in the project should include: definition of objectives, evaluation of options, definition, selection and design, implementation and evaluation and maintenance. Some checklists of features to seek in text retrieval and library housekeeping software are included. These are discussed in the context of new developments in library software.
Libraries and information provision in Government ministries and departments in Ghana
Authors: Alemna A.A.
Published: February 2008

This is a brief review of libraries and information provision in the Government Ministries and Departments in Ghana. It is based on personal visits to ten of these libraries in Accra, as well as interviews with some of the staff and users of these libraries. The study attempts to describe the existing facilities in terms of accommodation, library stock, services, finance and staffing, indicating whether they meet the needs of the Ministries and Departments they serve. Recommendations are made for the improvement of libraries in order to make them effective for the cultural, economic, social, political and industrial development of the country.
A ‘SUNny’ aspect of an information centre
Authors: Dodd G.H.
Published: February 2008

At the beginning of 1987, it was decided to integrate the activities of the Library and Information Group at the Thornton Research Centre of Shell Research Ltd with those of the Office Systems and Report Production Group and to rehouse them under one roof. Gradually the idea of a forward‐looking Information Centre began to take shape, and the opportunity to create a high‐profile activity was seized with enthusiasm. A modern information service relies very heavily on computer and communications systems. The systems used in Thornton's Information Centre are based on an IBM network and use SUN workstations and Apple Macintosh II computers.
Information for managing resources in the NHS
Authors: Bullas Sheila
Published: February 2008

The resource Management initiative in large general hospitals within the NHS aims to stimulate, encourage and develop a management process involving doctors, nurses and other clinical and managerial staff in strategic and operational decision‐making. This process is underpinned by a patient‐based information system which is timely, accessible and credible to all participants. Management processes and information systems must be robust and flexible to cope with change, and to maximise the benefit to patients of changes in medical practice and resources. While existing technologies make successful implementation possible, further developments in hardware and software are required before a truly integrated workstation is a reality in the complex technical environment of the general hospital.
The Dawson technology librarians' workstation
Authors: Adams Roy
Published: February 2008

Leicester Polytechnic and Dawsons have co‐operated in the production of a workstation for use by library and information staff. The basic ideas behind the construction of this workstation are outlined here.
Information management: strategies and alliances
Authors: Broadbent Marianne
Published: February 2008

The strategic value of information and information technology to an enterprise has received increased attention both in management practice and in the business and information literatures. This paper explores issues related to the alignment of business and information strategies and some organisational characteristics which appear to contribute to such an alignment, drawing on recent and current research in progress. Implications are drawn for organisational processes and structures and for the education and training of managers and of information specialists.
CEC Policy to Promote the European Information Services Market
Authors: Stevan Günter , Trevisan Giorgio
Published: February 2008

In view of the growing importance of information for the development of commerce, industry and research the Commission has undertaken, since 1975, various initiatives aiming at strengthening the position of the European information industry. Community actions in this area form part of a comprehensive Community policy in the fields of information technologies, telecommunications and information market. The development toward an information society and the eminent importance of this development for the services industries have in recent years led to a steady reinforcement of Community initiatives in this area. The Community initiatives in information market development can be seen as an effort to establish an efficient link between knowledge generation and knowledge application.
European Information Technology Policy
Authors: Cole S.T.
Published: February 2008

My subject today is European Information Technology policy. I shall first look at the legal basis for Community action in IT. I shall then enquire why the Community needs to take action specifically in this sector; why IT is unique. I will then describe the specific Community policies in IT concentrating on the largest programme, ESPRIT. I shall conclude by giving my views on the future of European Community Policy on IT.
Information Management: from Turmoil to Effective Control
Authors: Sol H.G.
Published: February 2008

Information Management (IM) is a field subject to great interest. However, it is obvious that IM is not an idea which could function in the long run as a focus point in practice and theory. There is, in our view, a division: IM as a profession for ‘production managers’ in information‐intensive companies and IM as part of Human Resource Management, concerned with the question of how information workers can function more effectively within an organisation.
European information needs of the voluntary sector
Authors: Lattimer Mark
Published: February 2008

Voluntary organisations in the UK have many of the same information needs regarding Europe as the statutory and private sectors. Every part of the economy needs accurate, up‐to‐date information on what the European institutions are doing, or, preferably, planning to do. In addition, a thorough knowledge of the legal and political structures through which they operate is required to influence them effectively.
Eastern European business information: a seminar review
Authors: Onwuzulu N.M.
Published: February 2008

Eastern Europe in the past year or so has undergone unprecedented political and economic changes that took the whole world by storm. Politically, these changes signify the beginning of an end to an unpopular political system which for so long dominated that part of the world, and economically mean an easing of state monopoly and allowance for private investments and foreign capital. Foreign investors, the West not excluded, are attracted by the numerous business opportunities that now exist in these countries and the enormous potentials for economic growth. This review is based on the seminar organised by Aslib on 10.10.90, on Eastern European Business Information, and also based partly on literature review.
Librarianship as a profession in Ghana
Authors: Alemna Anaba A
Published: February 2008

The aim of this paper is to review the development of the library profession in Ghana from its inception during the colonial period to the present day. It discusses the achievements of the profession as well as its problems. Suggestions are made for solutions to these problems. Wherever possible, comparisons are made with other library professions in the sub‐region, particularly with the Nigeria Library Association which is a sister organisation. The writer concludes that a lot still needs to be done by the Ghana Library Association in order to fulfil the basic attributes of the profession.
Information management in social services: a view from the foothills
Authors: Streatfield David
Published: February 2008

When I first became interested in the way social workers use information in the early 1970s, first as an information service provider and then as a researcher:
Poland in the perspective of global change
Authors: Kuklinski Antoni
Published: February 2008

My task is particularly easy because in the white plastic case you will find a blue booklet which is the basis of my speech. May I please ask you to refer to this book it that is possible.
Library co‐operation on a European scale
Authors: Oort Bram B.
Published: February 2008

There is always a limit to the services a library is able to supply. One of the ways to improve the service provision is co‐operation with other libraries. An interlibrary loan service is a well‐known system of library co‐operation. Visits to other libraries and discussions with colleagues can be useful, but the most far‐reaching form of library co‐operation is to co‐operate in a joint library project. The European Business School Librarians' Group—founded in 1970‐started with an exchange of information between its participants. Very soon joint library projects were undertaken of which SCIMP: European Index of Management Periodicals is still ongoing. The members of this group were very enthusiastic in the beginning and emphasized that it was a working group. After some time a change in approach by most participants could be observed. Group performance just went on with an emphasis on library visits at the annual meetings of the Group rather than on discussions on subjects of interest. Recently new projects have been proposed and many older members have been replaced by new ones, bringing new life to the group. If individuals will be prepared to invest time and perhaps money, they might benefit on behalf of the service provision of their own libraries.
Methodologies and models for information management
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: February 2008

What I want to do is to talk about some of the issues which arise from information management.
The corporate information management function
Authors: Woody Horton F
Published: February 2008

I am very happy to be back in Poland again after a 3 year absence. I see a great many changes and I am happy to tell you that I see them all as constructive things that are happening. Speaking from my side of the ocean my country wishes you very well in your effort to move forward to becoming a part of the full EEC. I am sure you will reach that goal eventually and hopefully sooner than later. One of your speakers yesterday mentioned tourism and he put it in a “maybe” kind of context. From my standpoint there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who would like to be over here in your beautiful country spending money.
Sources and uses of business information
Authors: Norton Bob
Published: February 2008

It is generally assumed by those collecting and producing information that the results of their labours will actually be used by someone.
The Pesel system
Authors: Lobocki Edmund
Published: February 2008

Today, I have the honour of presenting some information about the concept and the present state of the implementation of a project called the Home Computer Network of the Governmental Computer Centre.
European Information Centres & EC enterprise policy
Authors: Coyne Mike
Published: February 2008

Many of the European Information Centres have barely been operating for a full year, but it is already clear that the EICs have developed a style of operation and a momentum that is making a distinctive contribution to the process of communicating information about the dramatic changes taking place within the European Community.
Company information in Spain: a case study
Authors: Herd Sylvia
Published: February 2008

There is a growing interest in the business opportunities afforded by Spain. Consequently the demand for information on Spanish companies is growing continually but the information is not always easy to find. This paper sets out to examine the sources that are available both in the UK and in Spain, both hard copy and online, and to examine the background to the way in which Spanish companies have developed and why it is often difficult to obtain the required information. Reasons for recent interest in the country are examined and mention made of the most common problems encountered. A description is given of the main sources of information with their relevant merits and demerits. In order to understand the reasons behind problems encountered a brief economic history of the country is given explaining how company registration in Spain differs from that in the UK. The different types of company are listed and recent changes in Spanish company legislation explained. The paper concludes by considering the possible position after 1992.
Using statistics for desk research
Authors: Woolley Marcus
Published: February 2008

This is a very large subject area to discuss in forty minutes, therefore, I would like to begin by defining the aspects of the subject I intend to deal with. The statistics in the title refer to business and economic statistics only, examples of which are published by central statistical departments, trade associations and commercial publishers etc. Desk research is used to describe the process of gathering information available in published form, rather than obtaining the data directly.
CD‐ROMs and beyond: buying databases sensibly?
Authors: McSeán Tony
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons why CD‐ROM technology has made such a widespread impact on libraries in the science, technology and medicine (STM) sectors, and whether, now and in the future, there are sensible alternative strategies which our profession should consider adopting. It will concentrate mostly on large, core bibliographic databases both because this area of the market represents the great volume of sales by value — and because it is the area I know best.
Just another management fad? The implications of TQM for library and information services
Authors: Brockman John R
Published: February 2008

The quality issue represents one of the greatest challenges facing managers in the 1990s. This paper presents an overview of the development of quality management in library and information services (LIS) on the basis of its evolution from quality control, through quality assurance (QA), to total quality management (TQM). This development is exemplified by case studies of UK and North American LIS which have been required to comply with quality strategies of their parent organizations, and those which have adopted unilateral strategies.
Information management in context
Authors: Taylor Allan , Farrell Stephen
Published: February 2008

There is no universal definition of In3formation Management (IM) despite numerous discussions over the last decade about the meaning, content and use of IM in many disciplines. This is not to say, however, that a concept of IM is not developing. Indeed, three types of definitions (two of which are not dissimilar) have so far emerged from the literature: existential (the origins and elements of IM), operational (management of the information resource for strategic corporate objectives) and hybrid manager (organizational response to developments in information technology). This may cause some confusion about the nature of pure IM, but the key is to realize that its roots and possible development lie in a number of disparate but converging professional fields.
Application of modern technologies in health science libraries in India: a survey
Authors: Kumar RP
Published: February 2008

India is one of the oldest civilizations with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. It has achieved multi‐faceted socio‐economic progress during the last 43 years of its independence. As the seventh largest country in the world, India is well marked off from the rest of Asia by mountains and the sea, which gives the country a distinct geographical entity. India comprises twenty five states and seven union territories. India has made commendable progress in the technological, engineering and communication fields. Modern technologies are applied to information handling. Production of hardware and software technology is domestic. National resources are augmented by establishing links with the international systems. There are 106 medical colleges, and 40 dental colleges in India. Besides this, there are nursing colleges, pharmacy colleges and other institutions. Each college/institution has a library of its own attached to it. The libraries can be classified into Medical, Research, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Dental, Unani and Pharmaceutical Libraries. A survey was carried out on the usage of modern technologies in health sciences libraries eg. photocopiers, microfilming, computers, facsimile transmission, audiovisual, online searching and CD‐ROM in the form of a questionnaire. Personal visits were made to a number of libraries and some of the librarians were also interviewed. This paper examines the impact of modern technologies on medical libraries, and concludes with the problems faced by the librarians in adopting the modern technologies and suggests the need and measures for implementation of modern technologies to health science libraries.
An Author at play in a computer‐simulated world
Authors: Dorner Jane
Published: February 2008

This paper suggests that computer manipulation of written material is insubstantial. Despite the huge choice of electronic writing aids, few match up to what is required by professional writers, editors or translators. The creation of texts on screens further desubstantiates the written word and forces copyright owners to redefine the ‘copy’ as a unit of sale. One of the many challenges facing those involved in publishing is to make provision for the implications of presenting and displaying work in electronic form.
Selection and evaluation of software
Authors: Rowley J.E.
Published: February 2008

Two aspects of the selection and evaluation of software packages are reviewed: the strategy for evaluation and selection, and criteria that might be applied in selection. The evaluation and selection of a software package should be approached as a project. Appropriate strategies for the selection and evaluation of software packages can be based on information systems methodologies. The main stages in the project are: definition of objectives, evaluation of options, definition, selection and design, implementation and evaluation and maintenance. A system requirements specification is an important document in this process. Software selection must be guided by appropriate criteria. General criteria are cost, lifetime and life history, originator, supplier, support, maintenance, technical considerations and compatibility, ease of use, interfaces and integration. In addition specific criteria must be developed for specific categories of packages. A checklist of criteria for database packages is given.
Data integration in a GIS — the question of data quality
Authors: John S.A.
Published: February 2008

As Geographical Information System (GIS) databases have become progressively larger and more complex, and increasingly unconstrained by traditional geographical boundaries, data management and quality have emerged as critical issues in GIS projects. GIS technology can be considered a table‐top on which data are compiled, considered, manipulated and located. With reference to the development of a geographic database for a loosely defined sub‐region of the South East of England—the East Thames Corridor—the problems associated with obtaining data of an appropriate standard from within the institutional framework of local government, and the data quality problems inherent in the development of an integrated database are considered.
CD‐ROM bibliographic database searching at the KFUPM library: a use analysis
Authors: Mirza Mohammad I. , Siddiqui Moid A.
Published: February 2008

The article analyses 23 78 CD‐ROM bibliographic database searches (by databases used, user status, departments, and user needs) conducted at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) Library in Saudi Arabia during the period July 1991 (when service started) to 31 December 1992. Various purposes for compiling CD‐ROM statistics have also been discussed.
Virtual reality: toys or tools of the trade?
Authors: Stone Robert J.
Published: February 2008

Virtual Reality (VR) refers to the computer generation of realistic three‐dimensional artificial worlds in which humans, typically equipped with head‐mounted 3D displays, interactive gloves and even whole‐body suits, can be ‘immersed’, and are free to explore and interact with graphical objects in real time, using such natural skills as looking from different angles, moving, pointing, grasping, listening and talking. The early history behind the emergence of VR is short and incredibly intense and characterized by a small group of familiar names. As one of the key figures, Myron Krueger has described it, ‘…Like particles in a fission reaction, personnel from one project disband and reappear with new affiliations’. That reaction continues today, with a reproduction of the American experience in Europe.
Full, co‐operative, and profitable use of China's information resources — foundations for a policy
Authors: Orna Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

First, I wish to express my appreciation to The State Science and Technology Commission, and The Institute of Scientific and Technical Information for the opportunity to contribute to this very worthwhile endeavour.
Information policy and strategic development: a framework for the analysis of policy objectives
Authors: Moore Nick
Published: February 2008

Information will play an important role in the economic, social and political development of the People's Republic of China. The information industries will be of growing importance within the Chinese economy and they will play an important part in the interaction with the international economy. Within Chinese organizations information can be used to improve productivity. Access to information is also an important element in the working of social and political systems. It is necessary to develop a range of policies to ensure that information services and systems are developed in the most effective way. When analysing the policy arena it is possible to identify three different policy levels: industrial; organizational and social. At each of these levels, there are five elements which need to be taken into account: information technology; information markets; information engineering; human resources, and legislation and regulation. By combining the levels and elements it is possible to construct an information policy matrix which can be used to analyse the policy requirements.
Information service and information product pricing
Authors: Brindley Lynne J
Published: February 2008

This paper addresses the topic of information service and information product pricing. It aims to combine a discussion of principles with practical examples of pricing in a range of different services, from library revenue earning activities, through online and products, to emerging electronic services. Pricing is considered as part of a market approach to information services which assumes the development of a culture in which information is valued as an economic commodity.
The SUNDIAL speech understanding and dialogue project: results and implications for translation
Authors: Fraser Norman M
Published: February 2008

The ESPRIT SUNDIAL project ran for five years, concluding in August 1993. The objective of the project was to design and build telephone‐access spoken language interfaces to computer databases. After introducing the aims and objectives of the project, the problems of specifying an interactive system are outlined and the Wizard‐of‐Oz simulation method described. The architecture of the resulting system is introduced, and system transaction success results of up to 96.6% are reported. In the final section, some implications for machine translation — particularly interpretive telephony — are identified.
Future translation workbenches: some essential requirements
Authors: Ishida Richard
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a number of essential requirements intended to provide direction for translation work‐benches of the future. The points made arise from a consideration of the problems and frustrations encountered during several years' experience in the use of proprietary and in‐house translation tools. The paper will also suggest innovations which may considerably improve the productivity and flexibility of future translation workbenches.
Organizational cultures and their relevance to the information organization
Authors: Norton Bob
Published: February 2008

One of the major areas of concern of information management is the collective use, exchange and development of the information activities of the organization in order to achieve its objectives. For this to be effective, either information management will require the right kind of environment or culture in which to operate, or it will have to be instrumental in creating that culture. An organization's culture is shaped by many factors — history, experience, values, beliefs, successes, failures, the environment in which it operates, and the personalities which lead it. Culture, however, cannot be precisely defined because it is something that is perceived, something that is felt. It also has much to do with the way people are managed. Information management can have an impact on the organization's culture although the opposite is more often the case especially in terms of organizational structure, the distribution of power, the organization's image, the style of the chief officer, risk‐taking and change, secrecy and openness and the way people work together and cooperate, or don't. Information management is also about how people interact with systems. There are, in brief, two contrasting ways in which this can happen; one which puts systems first, the other which puts people first. Evidence is now growing that people must come first and can no longer work in purely mechanistic ways in which they become data‐processors on number‐crunchers. An ideal working culture may be one where people can develop satisfactorily with the systems to which they contribute but which do not put them in a straitjacket. How can this be achieved? What kinds of culture generally exist within organizations? Are there any types of culture which may be more conducive and receptive to information management? Similarly, can the culture of an organization be changed? Can it be managed?
Evaluation of MT software and methods
Authors: King Margaret
Published: February 2008

In this paper we first discuss the wide variety of possible scenarios in which an evaluation may be carried out. On this basis, an attempt is made to pick out some general characteristics relevant to the design of evaluations and the search for a general framework for evaluation methodologies is motivated. Some resources for use in data collection for evaluation purposes are briefly described and discussed, and the work of the EEC EAGLES Evaluation and Assessment Group is summarized.
Accounting for the value of information
Authors: McPherson P.K.
Published: February 2008

A systems engineer looking at information sees informatics. That means ‘the design, construction, evaluation, use and maintenance of information processing systems including hardware, software, organizational and human aspects as well as the complex of their industrial, commercial, administrative, social and political impact’. (The 1978 IBI‐UNESCO Conference on ‘Strategies and Policies for Information’).
New technology and publishing: six case studies in search of a theory
Authors: Beebe Caroline , Nedell Emily , Song Min , Sullivan Jeanne , Overfelt Kara , Schatz Jenny , Davenport Elisabeth
Published: February 2008

The paper reports the results of a small qualitative study of six widely different publishing operations in a Mid‐West campus town. Participants were asked to describe their organisation, their own work, the role of technology and procedures for purchasing technology. The responses showed a marked lack of strategic planning for technology investment in all of the participating organisations, though there were differences across the group in other areas, notably participation in purchasing decisions and training. The authors identify seven salient themes which may be explored with a larger sample.
Explicit representations: approaches to censorship
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: February 2008

The censorship of moral, literary and artistic materials is an important aspect of information control. Systematic study involves the researcher in analysis of specific cases and situations, an exploration of relationships between law and literature, and an understanding of gender roles, the media, and the pornography industry. Important definitions need to be clarified and assumptions examined, making this domain both complex and rewarding for social information analysis.
Perceptions of copyright in a group of UK information scientists
Authors: Davenport Elisabeth
Published: February 2008

This paper is based on an empirical study of the working habits and perceptions of a specific group (academic information scientists in the United Kingdom), summarizes their comments on copyright, and those of other interested parties (publishers, librarians, rights groups, lawyers) and discusses the implications of what was observed in the context of the law and the literature on the law at the time of the field study.
CD‐ROMs in public libraries: a survey
Authors: Batterbee Colette , Nicholas Dave
Published: February 2008

This article summarizes the main findings of a survey, undertaken in early 1994, of open access CD‐ROM in British public libraries. The survey examined how well Public Library Authorities (PLAs) were implementing CD‐ROM technology for public use and how well the general public were fairing with CD‐ROMs. The survey was both quantitative and qualitative in nature: current national statistics for CD‐ROM distribution in PLAs were sought, case studies of 13 PLAs who provided open access CD‐ROM were conducted and finally an end‐user survey of 4 of these libraries was undertaken. The principal findings of the survey are as follows. In 1992 only 5% of PLAs provided CD‐ROMs for public use, but by 1994 this figure had risen to 12%. London and English County PLAs had the highest proportion of CD‐ROMs for public use. PLAs with CD‐ROM services were not necessarily the big spending authorities. National newspapers accounted for the majority of CD‐ROMs in use. The main management concerns were lack of adequate user training and documentation. All PLAs wanted to update and expand their CD‐ROM services. This matched one of the main demands from users, which was for more facilities, but PLAs failed to address the users' other main demand ‐ the provision of greater assistance. The predominant user group was young students. Educational institutions played a significant role in training users in the use of CD‐ROMs. Most users searched newspaper and business titles. Finally, there was a high level of user satisfaction with CD‐ROM searching.
Developments in Systran
Authors: Senez Dorothy
Published: February 2008

Systran, the European Commission's multilingual machine translation system, is a fast service which is available to all Commission officials. The computer cannot match the skills of the professional translator, who must continue to be responsible for all texts which are legally binding or which are for publication. But machine translation can deal, in a matter of minutes, with short‐lived documents, designed, say, for information or preparatory work, and which are required urgently. It can also give a broad view of a paper in an unfamiliar language, so that an official can decide how much, if any, of it needs to go to translators. In this way, much time can be saved for a translation service which is already facing a relentless increase in the volume of its work and which will have to cope with the new languages of an enlarged European Union. We have set up a post‐editing service to correct machine texts for users who cannot do this in their own departments. Raw machine translation is only one of a number of multilingual services now being made available. The switch to personal computers throughout the Commission, and the greater use of increasingly reliable electronic mail, also means that other forms of help can be given. First, a bridge has been created between Systran and Celex (the multilingual data base containing Community legislation). Secondly, and only in recent months, Eurodicautom (the Commission's multilingual terminology data bank) has been incorporated in the Systran dictionaries. With this link, it will be easy to look up technical terms in a given language and have them returned in one or more other languages. A survey has shown how officials use Systran and has enabled us to identify their needs. In all these ways, Systran is making excellent progress as a means of rapid communication between the many departments of a multilingual Commission. Our aim is to enhance the quality of Systran, to broaden its application to the languages of the Community and to explain and vigorously promote its use.
How best to find and fulfil business information needs
Authors: Bowes Roger
Published: February 2008

In the years ahead, we will have to answer the questions implicit in the title to which FID has asked me to speak. How do you find out what information business managers need? And how can we best fulfil these needs? Let me start by defining what we are about in the practice of information as a trade, a craft or a profession.
Preservation practices in the University of Cape Coast library: an appraisal
Authors: Gaba Theodosia S.A.
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the prevailing practices of preservation in the Library of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. A brief description of the library, its location and stock is provided. Difficulties faced by the library are also discussed. Recommendations made take cognisance of the special problem of finance. The paper advocates the preservation of library materials to be seen by the library staff and management as an integral part of library practice. To this end, the inculcation of a preservation culture in both staff and users is emphasized.