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Standards are generally accepted and documented sets of conditions to be fulfilled. They are of several kinds: dimensional, performance, testing, technical terms and symbols, and codes of practice. It is proposed that the conversational language used in interactive retrieval systems should become standard at least as far as the technical terms and symbols used by the user are concerned. If that effort is successful, a standards effort in the area of a code of practice or recommended methods for operation could be developed. Then, and only then, could dimensional standards (to secure exact interchangeability) be effected. In the opinion of the author, the other two areas of standards work (performance standards and testing standards) lie outside the effort of a standards sub‐committee working within the ANSI Z‐39 or X.3 areas, at least as it relates to a user language for interactive retrieval systems.

The Book House is an interactive, multimedia, online public access catalogue designed to support casual, novice users in information retrieval. It uses icons, text and animation in the display interface in order to enhance the utility of the system. A prerequisite for the design of The Book House was a cognitive analysis of users' information needs and search queries. The paper describes The Book House and discusses its relevance as a solution to the current OPAC developments.

Selected current and recent work in the area of cognitive modelling is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to user models (that is, the model held by a system of a user). The relevance of this work to information retrieval is assessed and some attempts to include user models in IR systems are discussed. Implications are drawn for future work in IR.

A decision support system (DSS) is a flexible, interactive, computerized approach intended to support administrators in their decision making activities and which is capable of providing direct, personal support for complex, managerial decisions. This paper presents an overview of DSS's major characteristics which can integrate the intellectual resources of individuals with the capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of decisions. Following a discussion of its capabilities, the various components of a DSS (database, model base, hardware and user‐system interface) are examined as well as the development tools needed. Examples of the applications of DSSs in two universities provide insight into the benefits a DSS can bring to educational administration. Finally, the paper considers various development and implementation issues pertaining to a decision support system in academic administration.

This article concentrates on the distinctive features of a circulation control system designed to achieve simplicity of procedure at the final user/system interface. The system has been operating off‐line since September 1972, but the design of the data file structures also permits on‐line interrogation. Methods of book and borrower numbering, and the handling of multiple‐copy reservations are described. Flexible day‐to‐day control of processing and outputs required is exercised by the library by the input of parameter cards. Printout has been reduced to a minimum, all notices to borrowers are printed on a single pre‐printed form, and as much use as possible is made of information already recorded manually. The system seeks to achieve automation of data control without the proliferation of data records which a computer system can tend to encourage.

This paper deals with standardising commands for CD‐ROM searching, such as NISO Z 39.58 and ISO 8777, and the command languages evolved through EasyNet and Euronet. The standard commands are also compared with the software from database providers SilverPlatter, Dialog, and ISI. Apart from a discussion on the various attempts towards standardising search software, the groundwork for command languages and their implementation, the influence of the command languages on the evolving CD products is also highlighted.

Most second‐generation online catalogs give libraries some capability to customize help messages, screen displays, and system prompts. Microcomputer applications designed or mounted locally may offer even more flexibility. Commercially available information systems offer the user some type of assistance, even when not totally profitable. The librarian has become an active, if not always willing, participant in the design of his or her system's user interface. Knowledge of both patrons and collections can have direct bearing on the structure and effectiveness of the library's automated system, its interface, and online help features.

This paper discusses the impact of three selected command language facilities on the man—system interface in relation to operational online information retrieval (IR). The concept of data and information is briefly considered in relation to the cognitive viewpoint and Brookes ‘fundamental equation of information science.’ A cognitive IR model is out‐lined, followed by a discussion of variously experienced searchers' knowledge structures. Recently developed online search facilities such as use of positional operators (free text operations), crossfile searching and term frequency analysis (zooming—as the ES A‐Quest command language calls it) are discussed in relation to the IR process. The cognitive view is applied as the means to describe and emphasise the retrieval possibilities and the state of knowledge involved in the interface processes.

The research goal of this study is to explore the factors influencing the adoption of Android smartphones and the intention to pay for mobile internet services.

The present study proposes a framework based on theory of reasoned action (TRA) from the perspectives of software (interface convenience and perceived content), hardware (perceived infrastructure), design (design aesthetics) and perceived value (emotional value, price/value for money, performance/quality value, and social value). A web survey was conducted, and data were collected from a total of 881 users of Android smartphones in Taiwan. The casual model was validated using partial least squares (PLS) techniques.

The results indicated that the influence of the factors on the intention of the mobile internet users and non‐users were different. Surprisingly, the effect of design aesthetics was not significant in all of the groups. Male users were found to be more likely to read e‐books on their smartphones, as are people with higher personal incomes.

This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the factors that promote mobile internet users' and non‐users' intention to adopt Android smartphones and pay for mobile internet services. The proposed framework can be used by mobile internet service providers and smartphone manufacturers to design the products and marketing strategies.

The primary value of this paper lies in providing a better understanding of users' and non‐users' concerns about Android smartphone adoption and subscription of mobile internet services.

This paper aims to review current developments that have been initiated to meet the challenges of the information society.

The approach takes the form of a general review and survey of selected research and development (R&D) topics.

The paper illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary nature of cybernetics, systems and management sciences.

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current trends in these areas of endeavour.

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of present‐day R&D initiatives.