TRENDS IN INFORMATION HANDLING IN THE UNITED STATES
Abstract
The paper discusses several of the trends in information handling for text-based storage and retrieval systems that are prevalent in the United States. The paper considers, in particular, specialized information products, cooperative and networking activities, and work on standards. Information products include current awareness abstract bulletins in selected subject fields, computer-generated indexes and bibliographies in selected fields, scientific paper distribution services in selected fields, special-interest thessuri, newsletters employing newspaper-style reporting for alerting purposes, microcard and microfilm aperture bases. The number of commercial and not-for- profit (mostly university) information service facilities is increasing. Most of the cooperative endeavors are alliances among groups having common interests as to function or subject field or both. The growing emphasis on computer processing, at least of bibliographic data elements, is accelerating the development of format standards and computer program interchangeability. Concentration on computer processing seems to be obscuring consideration of the quality of the information being processed. The present state-of-the-art suggests the readiness for basic research, some of it large-scale over an extended period of time, as proposed in the SATCOM report. Greater use of behavioral science knowledge and methods is suggested in studies of user behavior and information flow and transfer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0710322
Entities
People
- Rowena W. Swanson
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research