Search results

1 – 10 of 35
Article
Publication date: 1 January 1985

Jane Wainwright

During the first half of 1982, the Division of l'lnformatique Parlementaire studied the feasibility of an internal videotex system for the Chamber of Deputies in France and in…

Abstract

During the first half of 1982, the Division of l'lnformatique Parlementaire studied the feasibility of an internal videotex system for the Chamber of Deputies in France and in September 1982, M. Louis Mexandeau, Minister of the PTT gave his support to the project. On 30 October 1982, the Bureau of the Assemblée Nationale approved implementation in two phases; first of 100 terminals; and secondly equipment to support all deputies with constituencies in metropolitan France.

Details

Program, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1997

Jane Wainwright

A description of the services of the House of Commons Library is given and of POLIS (the Parliamentary Online Information System). The selection, planning and implementation of…

Abstract

A description of the services of the House of Commons Library is given and of POLIS (the Parliamentary Online Information System). The selection, planning and implementation of the ENQuiries database using the BasisPlus text management software package to record, retrieve and provide management information about the enquiry workload of the House of Commons Library is described. Originally implemented on a VAX 8250 with the other POLIS databases which used BASIS, ENQ was then moved to a MicroVax and then with the rest of POLIS to two VAX 4600s. It now runs on a UNIX processor. The workflow, management reports and consultation process are described. The success of the application is described with reference to its original objectives. A chronology is given.

Details

Program, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1972

Jane Wainwright

Since January 1971, the British National Bibliography has been producing MARC tapes as a by‐product of the process of computer type‐setting the printed BNB Weekly List. (In this…

Abstract

Since January 1971, the British National Bibliography has been producing MARC tapes as a by‐product of the process of computer type‐setting the printed BNB Weekly List. (In this paper, the tapes are referred to as ‘BNB MARC’.) Experimental tapes have been available since 1968. In July and August 1971, Aslib Research and Development Department carried out a survey of BNB MARC users, limited to those libraries in the British Isles using the tapes for a regular service or experimenting with them as a part of the original MARC network (listed in Appendix II). The report is limited to the use in mid‐1971 of MARC tapes provided by BNB, but Appendix III includes brief notes on some work begun after August 1971. No system is described in depth; those interested in greater detail are referred to the selected references at the end. Most of the systems, especially operational ones, are reported there, making description here unnecessary.

Details

Program, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1973

Jane Wainwright and Jacqueline Hills

The technical and economic feasibility of providing selective notifications of current books to specialised libraries by extraction from MARC tapes has been explored. An…

Abstract

The technical and economic feasibility of providing selective notifications of current books to specialised libraries by extraction from MARC tapes has been explored. An experimental on‐line system ‘MARCAS’ was used to test profile construction and the utility of the various elements in MARC records as search keys. The programs allowed both weighted and Boolean searching on the title and author, LC classification and subject headings, and the BNB Precis indexing terms and Reference Index Numbers. Test profiles were constructed for nine libraries covering a range of subject fields, and run on six weeks of BNB and six weeks of LC MARC tapes. The output was assessed for relevance and recall, and the results analysed in terms of precision and recall for various combinations of searchable fields. The best performance, with recall and precision both about 50%, was given by searching all verbal fields together—title and author, LC subject headings, and (BNB tapes only) Precis indexing terms. Costs for the experimental on‐line system, and a batch version of the system, are identified.

Details

Program, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1976

Jane Wainwright

Based on data gathered from libraries visited, factors influencing the selection of computer facilities are explored. Comparison is made between costs associated with in‐house…

Abstract

Based on data gathered from libraries visited, factors influencing the selection of computer facilities are explored. Comparison is made between costs associated with in‐house mainframes and minis. Selection policy in academic, public and special libraries is examined. Other factors considered include staffing, software, hardware selection. Advantages and disadvantage between mainframes and minis are summarised in the conclusion.

Details

Program, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1979

Jane Wainwright

Explaining that there is a similarity in the early stages of tendering irrespective of the size of the potential expenditure, the stages are outlined under 7 headings. The paper…

Abstract

Explaining that there is a similarity in the early stages of tendering irrespective of the size of the potential expenditure, the stages are outlined under 7 headings. The paper concentrates on large systems while pointing out the parallels for small jobs. It is emphasised that drawing up specifications is inevitably a lengthy procedure. Certain problems have to be faced early as to the amount of money to be spent, the computer to be used and the person to draw up the specification. With these problems resolved, the next step is the feasibility study based on analysis of the existing system. Various solutions will emerge, but other systems with similar requirements should be investigated for comparison. The paper lists what the study should include and indicates its role. Once approved, then the specification for tender is drawn up and should include the topics listed. Some guidance on presentation is given.

Details

Program, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1982

DAVID MENHENNET and JANE WAINWRIGHT

The Library provides information, documentation and research services to Members of the House of Commons. The organization of the Library and the history of POLIS (the…

Abstract

The Library provides information, documentation and research services to Members of the House of Commons. The organization of the Library and the history of POLIS (the Parliamentary On‐Line Information System) are described. The system became operational in 1980, and was set up by and is operated by Scicon Computer Services Ltd. Data entry is performed by the Library's Indexing Unit. Details of the telecommunications, software, hardware and database are given. UNIDAS retrieval software is used, and subject indexing is based on a thesaurus compiled by the Library. Most Library staff are being trained to use the retrieval facilities. Other offices of the House of Commons and of the House of Lords also have terminals linked to the system. Approved non‐Parliamentary users may also subscribe to POLIS via the public‐switched telephone network, Euronet or PSS. Other uses of computers by the Library are described.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Lucy A. Tedd

To provide a broad overview of the history of the journal Program: electronic library and information systems and its contents over its first 40 years.

1387

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a broad overview of the history of the journal Program: electronic library and information systems and its contents over its first 40 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of content from the original published material, as well as from abstracting and indexing publications and from minutes of Editorial Board meetings.

Findings

The publication has grown from modest beginnings as a newsletter for UK university librarians to a respected refereed journal with a wide international readership.

Originality/value

An analysis of the content of articles published on computer systems in libraries and information units over the last 40 years.

Details

Program, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1988

HARRY EAST and AMBER ADAMS

Brian Vickery has been a prolific writer as this list — which covers a period of forty active years — indicates. There are almost certainly omissions. He has, for example, been an…

Abstract

Brian Vickery has been a prolific writer as this list — which covers a period of forty active years — indicates. There are almost certainly omissions. He has, for example, been an incisive if gentle reviewer, in this and other journals, of the contemporary literature. Only a few of his extended reviews are included here. The bibliography illustrates the breadth of Brian's professional interests: from Bradford's law in the forties to expert systems in the eighties, with significant contributions to contemporary developments throughout the interim. The range is formidable and characteristic.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Access

Year

Content type

Article (35)
1 – 10 of 35