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Science and technology use a large variety of symbols to represent physical properties, chemical formulas, and mathematical expressions. Since data centers which codify and evaluate physical properties need to use this conventional symbolism, it is recommended that they adopt the symbols and terminology specified by the various International Unions, both for manual operations and for the creation of machine-readable data bases. It is demonstrated that these conventional symbols can be produced by communications devices which are compatible with the international standard codes for information exchange. A set of characters suitable for representing scientific data and text is presented and proposed as an extension of the International Organization for Standardization(ISO) information interchange code. The use of this extended character code by computer oriented data centers at the National Bureau of Standards is described. In addition, the kinds of equipment needed for this level of performance and criteria for their selection are outlined. (Author)

The Data Bank is an on-going information system that collects and stores data on international programs conducted by U.S. accredited 4-year colleges and universities. Information collected is coded and stored on punch cards and processed by computer. Each program is coded in 2 ways. Data cards are prepared that contain quantitative information concerning each program (type of program, source of funding, foreign area of focus, number of people involved yearly, etc.), as well as several characteristics of the U.S. university administering the program. The second coding method consists of condensing information about each international program into a verbal description that is punched on cards. Such paragraph descriptions, when stored on punch cards, enable the Data Bank to produce selected program inventories in terms of variables such as program type, subject matter, foreign area focus, U.S. sponsoring institution, funding source, and so forth. (Author/HS)

The Information System for Vocational Decision (ISVD) approach to computer-managed information is explained. Drawing mainly from the experience of preparing datafiles of occupational and military information for the ISVD, the author supports and elaborates on a number of general statements: (1) data should be collected and presented specifically to aid students in their vocational decisions; (2) data should be treated in a systematic and structured form that exploits high speed commutation; (3) ready-made sources of information should be relied upon as far as possible; (4) data should be articulated from distinct and diverse sources into a working whole; (5) datafiles and means of access to them should be prepared separate from one another so they can be used in a variety of combinations; and (6) information given by the system should be suggestive, not prescriptive. Other specific criteria and general rules for their implementation are discussed in the final section of the paper. (TL)

The problem of finding relevant material to answer a classroom need is the focus of this report. The Automated Instructional Resources Retrieval System (AIRR) is designed to assist teachers by storing information in a number of categories, including the following: media type, maturity level, length, producer or publisher, main curriculum area, language indicator, physical characteristics, title, author, narrative description, and index terms. The report presents: Why a Thesaurus; Format of Document Record; and Present Status. (See TM 001 363 for summary of project; for other related documents see TM 001 160, 364-371, 373-374.) (DB)

The Draft Report of the Joint Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Regional Computing Centres of the Committee of Presidents of Universities of Ontario made a tentative recommendation that a regional computer center should be developed for the use of Ontario universities. However, on further investigation it was found that such a computer center would be financially unfeasible at the present time. Thus, the subcommittee recommends that the Ontario universities establish a full-time Computing Coordination Group to study alternate computer possibilities, such as the use of commercial facilities, and to ensure that information relating to computer technology is distributed to all Ontario universities. (HS)

The Mini-Computer is compared with the general purpose computer. On a performance basis the Mini-Computer shows several interesting comparisons with the System 360 computer. The Mini-Computer core cycle, instruction execution speeds, and disc operating speeds are quite similar to the much larger 360-30 and 40 while its magnetic tape speeds are somewhat slower. The most serious comparison discrepancy is the much reduced quantity of magnetic core in the Mini-Computer System. In a cost comparison, the Mini-Computer Processor is notably lower in hardware cost. Comparisons of computer costs and performance capability show that the Mini-Computer System performs every basic computer operation at a substantially lower cost. What is needed is a recognition of real application potential by users and producers and a core efficient software system such as the "Pyramid Interpreter System" in which a compiler is used to generate a "macro" code rather than a machine code. Summarizing the results, not only can a Mini-Computer System perform comparably with present-day business computers, but it can do it at only 10% to 25% of the cost. A tabular comparison is shown which accounts for the core enhancing and speed reducing affects of the Pyramid Interpreter System. (Author/NH)

This report reviews and interprets activities carried out at the Center for Studies in Education and Development, Harvard Graduate School of Education, in support of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) over a three year period. Included here are the contents, development, use so far, and potential of three specific datafiles within the system: (1) the Occupational Title File; (2) the Occupational Groups Datafile; and (3) the Military Datafile. The current limitations of the system are acknowledged. Besides the development and use of the three datafiles, the report also covers forecasts for two kinds of datafiles and discusses possible development of other datafiles and extensions of the existing ones. In each case the history of the work carried out during the Project is described and explained; its final results are presented; and suggestions are made for further development. (Author/TL)

To investigate and resolve some of the problems associated with developing a permanent state-wide occupational information service system for planning and programing vocational education, a small scale data bank was developed for six selected countries in Alabama. Inputs were collected from 38 high schools offering vocational education, two post-secondary vocational institutes, three county employment offices, one chamber of commerce, four institutions offering non-public supported programs, and some manpower training programs. The occupation-industry material approach was used to estimate employment levels, and a cross tabulation computer program was used to project employment. The information output components were: (1) demographic, (2) manpower demand, (3) manpower supply, and (4) resources inventories. Charts and exhibits illustrate the kinds of information available and its output organization from the system. (Author)

The report prepared for the Five Associated University Libraries (FAUL) by the Technical Information Dissemination Bureau (TIDB) at Suny-Buffalo is divided into nine sections: (1) a summary of procedures used to accomplish the specified MASFILE-II tasks; (2) a graphic comparison of the MARC-II and the MASFILE-II formats; (3) recommend modifications to the FAUL MASFILE-II record needed to transmit records from the MASFILE computer to local terminals or line printers in the MARC-II format; (4) recommend data elements which must be resident in a MASFILE-II record to produce products as specified by the FAUL Systems Committee; (5) recommend workable procedures for each FAUL Library to modify MASFILE-II records in a central computer on a routine basis; (6) recommend workable procedures for adding current local records into MASFILE; (7) recommend workable methods for identifying and selecting specific records and groups of records from MASFILE to produce lists organized by subject, class number, or main entry; (8) isolate major problem areas resulting from this project and (9) summarize time spent and activities performed in computer testing, program runs, clerical operations, and professional time. (MASFILE-I Pilot Project is available as ED 028 801). (Author/NH)

This document explains recent developments in computer science and information systems of interest to the educational manager. A brief history of computers is included, together with an examination of modern computers' capabilities. Various features of card, tape, and disk information storage systems are presented. The importance of time-sharing computer systems for educational data management is outlined. Funds for this research were provided by an ESEA Title III grant. (RA)

The Ohio State University Libraries On-line Remote Catalog Access and Circulation Control System (LCS) began on-line operations with the conversion of one department library in November 1970. By December all 26 libraries had been converted to the automated system and LCS was fully operational one month ahead of schedule. LCS is designed as a user-oriented system. It utilizes the capabilities of high-speed computers, random access mass storage devices, telecommunication networks, and on-line terminals to provide both traditional circulation services and a unique access to the system by telephone. Part I, "Functional Specification" states explicitly the objectives of the system, the function which it performs, the details of all its interfaces, and the format of its files and tables, and represents the specifications for the computer system. Part II, "User's Guide" is a manual designed for the librarians who actually operate LCS provides detailed instructions for use of LCS terminals. (Author/AB)

The purposes of this conference are: to define the current state of technology; to identify the problems, needs and emerging technology; and to consider alternative computer applications to multiple-facility medical information systems for the delivery of medical care and for health services research. The papers presented include: (1) General Requirements for a Medical Information System (MIS); (2) Evaluation Techniques for Medical Information Systems; (3) Evaluation of a Medical Data System; (4) Quality of Data in the Medical Record; (5) Terminology and Content of the Medical Record; (6) Large vs Small, Single vs Multiple Computers; (7) A Statewide Medical Information System; (8) The Kaiser-Permanente Medical Information System; (9) High Level Programming Languages; (10) Acquisition and Analysis of Narrative Medical Record Data; (11) Visual Display Terminals in a Hospital Information System (HIS); (12) Computers and Doctors; Use and Consequences; (13) Moss Random Storage Devices and Their Application to a Medical Information System (MIS); (14) Prototype for Future Computer Medical Records and (15) The Medical Information System (MIS) for 1975. (MM)

The PLATO IV computer-based instructional system consists of a large scale centrally located CDC 6400 computer and a large number of remote student terminals. This is a brief and general description of the proposed input/output hardware necessary to interface the student terminals with the computer's central processing unit (CPU) using available transmission techniques, i.e., dedicated telephone lines and cable television (CATV) lines. The output controller is basically a parallel to serial converter which accepts data from the computer and encodes the data into a form compatible with the requirements of commercial CATV equipment. The input controller scans incoming lines from the terminals for data and controls the flow of that data to the computer. A peripheral processing unit controls the operation of the input controller with external function codes. A keyset multiplexor allows up to 32 PLATO IV terminals to share a common data line to the computer. (Author/JY)

The subject of access control mechanisms in computer systems is concerned with effective means to protect the anonymity of private information on the one hand, and to regulate the access to shareable information on the other hand. Effective means for access control may be considered on three levels: memory, process and logical. This report is a review of the logical access control mechanisms implemented in two computer systems. The first system, PSF, is an on-line, multi-access operating system with an advanced data base management capability on an IBM 7040/PDP/8/DEC 338 coupled computer configuration. The second computer system, EDMF, is a time-sharing operating system with extended data base management capability on a RCA Spectra 70/46 virtual memory computer. (A related document is LI004414.) (Author/SJ)

This paper represents a careful study of published works on computer security and access control in computer systems. The study includes a selective annotated bibliography of some eighty-five important published results in the field and, based on these papers, analyzes the state of the art. In annotating these works, the authors try to be objective, indicating the strong as well as the weak points. In addition, they attempt to show how one piece of work is related to or influenced by another, since research works seldom evolve without interaction. Because a number of outstanding works on computer security and access control in computer systems are classified or unpublished, this collection is not exhaustive. The annotated material is organized into four sections of which the sections on computer security and access control in computer systems are emphasized. In addition, to provide some background and broad understanding of the issues of computer security, they have included several bibliographies, some articles on the business and management overview, and several works on social and legal implications. (A related document is LI004415.) (Author/DH)

This thesis describes the requirements for a buffer storage device, with respect to other system components and its own limitations, which is designed to aid in the economic transmission of processed data from a central computer to distant terminals. Proceeding from the fact that tariff rates on wide band educational television channels are attractive, but that the data format must be compatible with television images and must flow at a rate of 1200 bits per second (BPS), it deals with the major problem of converting sporadic bursts of computer output data into a serial rate of 1200 BPS through the utilization of a buffer storage device. An analytic study of input and output properties, a discussion of feasible assumptions, and descriptions of various models are presented, leading to suggestions for a suitable design of a buffer storage mechanism for the PLATO IV system. Actual data are employed in the determination of design alternatives. A brief outline of the PLATO system as it is currently conceived is also included. (Author/PB)

A bulk data input processor which is available for the Rapidly Extensible Language (REL) English versions is described. In REL English versions, statements that declare names of data items and their interrelationships normally are lines from a terminal or cards in a batch input stream. These statements provide a convenient means of declaring some names and stating some facts, and they are especially useful in the interactive mode. However, these statement formats are not convenient for inputting large data bases which are usually available on tapes or cards and which are generally formatted in terms of fixed fields. The bulk data input processor reads such formatted files and puts data into the version. Topics discussed in this report include: the input file format, the logical record, the physical record, field, class, relation, table, order of cards, treatment of blanks, error handling and variable record processing. Two appendixes provide a summary of descriptor cards and a series of examples illustrating how the system operates. (Author/LB)

A multi-language, time-sharing system (MTS-12) has been developed for the PDP-12, a Digital Equipment Corporation laboratory computer. This low-cost, core-resident system features program storage on LINC tape (3/4" magnetic tape on a 4" reel), access to the high-level interpreted FOCAL language, and a special variable storage in the user buffer area which permits string handling, answer storage and other housekeeping functions. Although less convenient than special purpose languages, FOCAL has direct command capability which is easy to learn and which provides full mathematical support. No specific author mode is available, but FOCAL is quite simple and can be used without programer assistance. A MODIFY command provides online program correction, and file protection is available to control use of this feature. With this system, sophisticated teaching programs can be presented to three simultaneous users in only 12k of 12 bit core. The system is expandable, but is especially suited for small-scale use with the mainframe unattended, when the PDP-12 might not be in use. (Author)

The demand for computers to help manage learning comes mostly from those engaged in attempts to individualize education, who have discovered a need for computers to help them make decisions and organize their data. This paper considers the problems that can arise in implementing computer-managed learning by indicating what has happened in existing, operational projects. First, it describes some of the problems in diagnostic assessment of learners--the process of discovering what repertoire of behavior each learner has already acquired and where the gaps are in that repertoire. Second, the paper examines problems in the generation, analysis, and banking of test items. Next, problems in the selection of a particular sequence of objectives for an individual student by the computer are discussed, and finally, some of the problems that teachers and students experience in using the computer system are identified. (Author/SH)

A project constructed a Computer-based Test Development Center (COMBAT). It involved the development of instructional objectives and test items and their storage in a computer system from which they could be available to teachers. Project record data, questionnaires, and interviews were used to determine if the objectives were achieved, what the strengths and weaknesses of the system were, and how efficiently the project was run. Evaluation yielded the following results. 1) A pool of 32,000 items was developed, but greater depth and breadth were required. 2) Retrieval costs were too high. 3) The user communication system was effective. 4) In-service training and information dissemination were inadequate. 5) No evidence was obtained which showed a direct effect upon improving instruction. 6) Teachers needed to realize that COMBAT was only emergent, not completed. 7) The management of the project was good. In summary, the project was moderately successful. It showed a computer-based test development center could be built, but not that it effectively improved instruction. Costs must be lowered, the item pool expanded, and teachers better informed about the system. (LB)

To establish the precise effects of using MARC II in West Sussex, and how it could assist the library staff were the goals of this feasibility study. It illustrates the development of the library catalog and associated systems as both realistic and practical. It indicates what kind of repercussions will be felt by the library and how it could improve the service to the readers. The advantages and disadvantages of the various alternative means of producing the new catalog are discussed. It is considered that the relative complexity of microfilmed catalogs, compared with the printed catalog, might well generate further adverse public comment. For this reason the feasibility study team considers the printed book version as the most satisfactory method of producing the catalog. The use of disc storage facilities is expected to reduce annual operational costs. Initial development and conversion costs are estimated on the basis of the existing installation at County Hall, though future hardware provision may necessitate some modification. At the current rate of growth, under normal conditions, the size of the catalog is expected to increase by approximately 5-10% per annum. This is not likely to cause insurmountable processing problems. (Author/CH)

The purpose of this article is to describe a system for protecting the anonymity of subjects in longitudinal research and for maintaining the security of data files. The basic system comes from the American Council on Education Cooperative Institutional Research Program. Data is collected from questionnaires, and converted to magnetic tape. Original data is destroyed. Two separate tape files are then set up. The first file contains answers of the person, together with an arbitrary identification number. The second file has the person's name and address and the same arbitrary number. The former file is accessible to members of the research staff, the latter is locked in a vault. The "Link" system elaborates on the above scheme by removing identification numbers from the name and address file and substituting another unrelated number. A third file was then created, which contained only the two numbers. This file then links the subjects identity with his answers to questions. The link file is then deposited at a computer facility located in a foreign country. This file is released to no one. Follow-up data is then collected again from the same students, with the person's number used for identification. This information is then sent to the foreign center, where the second number is replaced by the first. The data is then merged with previous data for longitudinal research. (KJ)

Presented in this paper is an illustration of the Lantran Chincode System for coding the Chinese language on ordinary English language typewriters or computer terminal keyboards. The key element of the Lantran coding is the use of the Pinyin phonetic romanization which has been officially standard in Communist China for the past 10 years. The end letters in the full coding for each character are the phonetic transcription of the pronunciation of that character in the Pinyin. Since many characters have the same pronunciation, the first part of the coding indicates as concisely as possible which particular character is intended. In general this means specifying the radical of the character and the number of additional strokes required, these two items together with the pronunciation being sufficient to correctly identify the written character in all but a few cases. The key board arrangement pictured is that of the Frieden Communications Terminal generating USASCII code for computer. (Authors/AMM)

The first interactive (on-line) computerized use of the ERIC files by the U.S. Office of Education is reported in the form of an evaluation of the DIALOG system conducted at the ERIC Clearinghouse for Educational Media and Technology. Descriptions of the purposes of the study, of the DIALOG system (developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.), and of the procedures involved in conducting a search of the ERIC file using DIALOG are followed by information on the nine people, from various areas of education, who were asked to help evaluate the system. The major portion of the report, consisting of nine case studies, is based on the reactions of these evaluators (gathered in debriefing interviews) to one or more DIALOG searches which they themselves conducted. In addition, 19 evaluations (based on questionnaires from other system users) are presented. These, along with the nine original evaluations, stress the speed and "horizon-widening" effect of the system. A final section examines the variety of uses for the system at the Clearinghouse. The pre-DIALOG questions, the debriefing outline, and records of the evaluators' searches are appended. (SP/MT)

The Air Force has developed a data bank which classifies job descriptions into occupational clusters. A retrieval system, also recently developed computes and publishes a consolidated description of the work being performed by any group which can be defined in terms of the background information. Other retrieval programs are available which enable the user to obtain background information on a specific job group, or to study the differences between two background groups. Suggestions are offered for ways in which similar data banks and retrieval systems might be of help to the civilian section, permitting rapid matching between job opportunities and job applicants. (CJ)

This report presents the results of the initial phase of the File Organization Project, a study which focuses upon the on-line maintenance and search of the library's catalog holdings record. The focus of the project is to develop a facility for research and experimentation with the many issues of on-line file organizations and search. The first year has been primarily devoted to defining issues to be studied, developing the facility for experiment, and carrying out initial research on the issues. Achievements involved: (1) obtaining equipment; (2) programming and testing an initial software system, and then expanding it to supply access to the central processor from two different mechanical terminals at two remote locations; (3) planning for acquisition and incorporation of an existing machine file as well as bibliographic records which require original conversions; (4) developing software for data base preparation and for file handling and access; and (5) initiating analyses on issues such as optimum length of search keys. Appended are six reports which cover specific aspects of the project and an article entitled "The Organization, Maintenance and Search of Machine Files," reprinted from "The Annual Review of Information Science and Technology," volume 3. (JB)

This report describes the searching methods and the search program for the automatic indexing method which was developed and implemented in an earlie r phase of the project. The indexing method generates index tags automatically from English language text and creates a machine searchable file of index records for the document being processed. Since the First Progress Report the indexing program has been modified to facilitate the updating and expansion of the computer-stored dictionary. The MEDICO file which is the output of the automatic indexing program is a direct file stored on magnetic tape and is sequenced by document accession number. The primary access point of the file can involve as many as four hierarchical levels and generic searches are easily implemented. Boolean searches allow for the retrieval of highly specific information. Prior to searching, the Boolean expressions corresponding to the natural language query are formulated by the human searcher. Normalization of the query to make it compatible with the index language is accomplished automatically by the computer. The tape file is searched sequentially to search for the presence or absence of terms as prescribed in the Boolean expression. Several queries can be processed simultaneously and the output for each query can be printed out as a separate unit. (Author/JW)

The objectives of the MASFILE-I Pilot Project were (1) to test the utility and cost of compiling a manipulative data base from remote card files; (2) to test the utility of the Administrative Terminal System (ATS) for inputting bibliographic data into computer files from catalog card copy at a central location; (3) to test the adequacy of a modified MARC tagging scheme for labelling, inputting, and retrieving formatted bibliographic data elements; (4) to determine overlap of items in the file; (5) to aid the Five Associated University Libraries (F.A.U.L.) in designing a compatible worksheet for transferring the intellectual product of local catalogers into various on-line and off-line machines; (6) to develop recommendations for building a bibliographic data base. A sequential sample of shelf list catalog cards was selected from each F.A. U.L. library in the Library of Congress Classification for the Book Trade and Library Science (Z116-Z1000.5), manually merged, converted to machine readable form by the IBM ATS system at SUNY-Buffalo in a modified MARC-I format. After editing, a list of 1827 items was published containing full citations, holdings statements, and indexes by main entry, LC card number, and LC class number. A draft cataloger's worksheet was designed and is undergoing testing. Overlap studies were made, and time and cost figures compiled. Recommendations for continuation of the project (MASFILE-II) are also included. (Author)

The work reported here was performed between 1 June 1967 and 31 May 1968 under Task I of the contract between Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The objective of this contract was to achieve an operational, integrated, man-machine system for manipulating information about chemical substances. The contract was directed at the development of a computer-based Chemical Compound Registry System through the buildup of machine and manual files of chemical structural representations, chemical nomenclature, molecular formulas, and bibliographic citations associated with the registere d compounds. To meet this objective the contract called for the registration of compounds from several sources. Progress was made in the number of compounds registered from all sources. CAS worked to extend the range of compounds that could be machine-registered and to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system by shifting additional tasks to the computer to improve the technical and/or economic performance of the system. (RR)

The idea of pseudo-classification based on external relevance was introduced and compared with the usual classifications using associative techniques. A general model for an information retrieval system using term classification was described. A set of operators for adjusting pseudo-classifications and preventing their deterioration was derived for a particular match function conforming with this model. Pseudo-classifications were used for prediction of relevant documents and for the evaluation of retrieval systems with respect to their theoretical optimum. The concept of improvability of a retrieval model with respect to its constituent submodels was introduced and elaborated upon. (RR)

The information system of the American Council on Education (ACE), which comprises the basis for the ACE Higher Education Data Bank, is designed to collect and maintain biographical and other data on approximately 300,000 college freshmen each year for continuing longitudinal research based on subsamples of the students. The need for confidential processing of these data has stimulated increasing concern among psychologists, sociologists, statisticians, administrators, and educational researchers. This study was implemented in order to set forth some limitations and problems involved with this kind of research. The report examines some specific aspects of the privacy issue with respect to ACE's information system, and the major differences and similarities between the ACE Data Bank and other data bank systems. A major emphasis is placed on evaluating devices that would help to preserve the confidentiality of data at each level of the system: data collection, transmission, and analysis dissemination. The report also discusses current administrative and ethical regulations, and computer devices that could protect researchers and the privacy of students in the event of possible harassment or liabilities caused by legal agencies. (WM)

The Total Guidance Information Support System (TGISS), is an information storage and retrieval system for counselors. The total TGISS, including hardware and software, extends the counselor's capabilities by providing ready access to student information under secure conditions. The hardware required includes: (1) IBM 360/50 central processing facility; (2) IBM 2314 mass storage device; (3) IBM 2260 remote video display terminal; (4) IBM 2848 display controller; (5) IBM 1053 Printer for hard copy; and (6) a modem for sending or receiving data communications to and from the central site. The TGISS software system includes: (1) IBM 05 Operating System; (2) a Type III IBM Information and Data Retrieval System called FASTER; (3) the Load; (4) an Update and File Management subsystem; and (5) the FASTER Application Programs. The program is designed to facilitate future expansion. The software functions are discussed: (1) input format and definition; (2) load and input verification program; (3) data update and revision routines and specifications; and (4) FASTER access and retrieval routines. Concluding the document is a readily understandable TGISS users' guide. The research reported herein was funded under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (TL)

This paper looks at present and future capabilities for diagnosis and prediction in computer-based guidance efforts and reviews the problems and potentials which will accompany the implementation of such capabilities. In addition to necessary procedural refinement in prediction, future developments in computer-based educational and career predictions will probably see the extension of biographical data inputs as well as inputs from various measurement instruments administered inactively by the computer. These will greatly extend the data base on the individual student and consequently increase the capacity for generating more significant predictions. Diagnosis or the detection of patterns of organization of surface behaviors is not being used presently. The computer could monitor such patterns and the counselor could make a clinical-type judgement regarding its meaning in specific cases. Another analysis could be the detection of population trends and characteristics. The problems associated with such computer use include: (1) cost; (2) loss of humaneness; (3) fitting the individual into the population; (4) misuse; and (5) sharing results. (KJ)

Project IMPACT (Instructional Model Prototypes Attainable in Computerized Training) is a comprehensive advanced development project designed to produce an effective and economical computer-administered instruction (CAI) system for the Army. The computer hardware and software capabilities of the prototype system are described. The components of the computer hardware/software subsystem are discussed in terms of the four main activities they support: administering instruction to students; implementing courses into CAI format; evaluating students, courses, and instructional decision models; and performing administrative functions in a school. Specific courses of instruction, research programs, or instructional strategies are not discussed. Rather, emphasis is placed on the capabilities and overall structure of the system. (Author)

Digital storage of textual portions of a library collection was reconsidered in the context of current technology and economics at a conference at the University of Pittsburgh in the Fall of 1967. The inevitable value and feasibility of textual digital storage was generally accepted. Basic data advantageous in placing in perspective the academic library collection and the potential of the digital concept are given. Academic librarians will find little new information here, however, the analysis of the graphics in a book collection may be the first quantification of past observations. The purpose of the document is to give industrial and other nonacademic technologists data against which they can match technology. The approach has been to provide technologists with quantified data, relevant insights and directly related socio-political understanding for decisions on localization of design and experimentation. The largely quantitative information provides profiles of institutions and critical problems that need to be considered. Since this is intended to provide background and statistical evidence for technologists, the digital and related technological questions are not discussed. (NH)

Surveys were conducted in 1969 to evaluate the usefulness of the metropolitan Toronto Continuing Education Directory, a 424 page work giving course titles, organizations, locations, days and hours, duration, starting dates, prerequisites, qualifications awarded, and other pertinent data. Over 200 copies went free to public libraries, university extension divisions, and community colleges; others were purchased by various users, especially in industrial personnel and counseling. Questionnaire returns of 80%, and personal interviews with professionals, indicated great interest in the Directory. A Metropolitan Information Centre of Continuing Education, with a computer-based file management system, has been established in the Central Library building; it will function as a fact-finding, information sharing, training and demonstration facility for students, and as an aid to course sponsors and professionals. It will produce a revised Directory, test and evaluate other effective means of providing information, and develop packaging and communication methods designed to reach the functionally illiterate, disadvantaged, or other public not now involved in adult education. (LY)

Past problems encountered in the use of computers are discussed. They include: (1) computing and data storage costs; (2) machine speed and capacity limitations; and (3) the limited number of languages and Input/Output devices available to facilitate man/machine communication. The improvements in all of these areas are explained. The problems which remain, it was contended, lie in the area of communication. For example, the desires and demands of a programmer and a psychologist and the expectations of the computer are not in concert. Data rates for all three are discussed in order to emphasize the magnitude of the discrepancy between what men and machines can do. The paper concludes with the modest hope that soon a machine can be made to communicate only with the scope and clarity of an intelligent man. (TL)