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Introduction: This paper presents an analysis of the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) compared with other alternatives for thesaurus representation in the Semantic Web. Method: Based on functional and structural changes of thesauri, provides an overview of the current context in which lexical paradigm is abandoned in favour of the conceptual paradigm. Likewise are described briefly various initiatives for the representation of thesauri using RDF vocabularies and hence for application to the Semantic Web, with particular attention to SKOS. Analysis and Results: This brief comparison will allow us to know some highlights of these proposals to raise those transcendental aspects in a model representing thesauri. SKOS includes the main proposal of this model, which organizes the concepts into diagrams and libraries. The notions of descriptors and non-descriptors terms are replaced by the association to the concepts of preferred and alternative labels and may be defined hierarchical or associative relationships between concepts. SKOS also provides for the establishment of correspondence relations between concepts belonging to different conceptual schemes. Conclusions: In accordance with the extent to which this series of requirements is fulfilled, we propose and defend the SKOS option as the best alternative for the development of multiple applications focusing on the use of thesauri in Web-based information services and systems, highlighting the advantages of this model over others proposed and in consideration of the user perspective in management, search and information query operations. (Contains 8 tables and 9 figures.)

Describes recent progress in China in the publication of scientific and technical journals and the computerization of information services; assesses the output of scientific and technical papers and the extent to which they are indexed by foreign bibliographical sources; and describes plans for computer-based library and information systems. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a personalised information support system to help faculty members to search various portals and e-resources without typing the search terms in different interfaces and to obtain results re-ordered without human intervention. Design/methodology/approach: After a careful survey of various tools and techniques available for computerised client-centred information services, the study selected to apply web usage mining, proxy level data collection and a vector space retrieval model to develop the personalised information support for teaching and research in a higher education institution. Findings: There are practical constraints in the implementation stage. There is considerable difficulty in getting real and correct user interests and mapping them effectively into the products and services offered by the library. Also the interests of users change continuously. If multiple users share the same PC, it is difficult to identify the user as there is no one-to-one mapping between user and IP address. Research limitations/implications: The paper has not considered cases for all the faculty members due to time constraints. The results obtained from the system also need correlation with the sources actually used by the faculty to test its efficacy in a highly fluid research situation like higher academics. Practical implications: A pragmatic client-centred information support prototype described in this paper may find use in other institutions needing similar information support. Originality/value: This paper demonstrates the pragmatic application of ICT for linking users and e-resources in an academic library.

Abstract: Current electronic voting systems are not sufficient to satisfy trustworthy elections as they do not provide any proof or confirming evidence of their honesty. This lack of trustworthiness is the main reason why e-voting is not widespread even though e-voting is expected to be more efficient than the current plain paper voting. Many experts believe that the only way to assure voters that their intended votes are casted is to use paper receipts. In this paper, we propose an efficient scheme for issuing receipts to voters in an e-voting environment using the well-known divide-and-choose method. Our scheme requires neither special printers or scanners, nor frequent observations of voting machines. In addition, our scheme is more secure than the previous schemes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Argues that providing end users with more information does not really address their problems and, in fact, does not even identify them. Topics discussed include the growth of information technology, reasons for the decline in the number of reference librarians, roles of libraries, and the importance of information intermediaries. (MES)

Presents personal analysis of information science as a field of scientific inquiry and professional practice that has evolved over the past half-century. Examines origin of information science in respect to problems of the information explosion, social role of field, nature of "information," structure of field in terms of problems addressed, evolutionary trends in information retrieval, relation of information science to other fields, and educational models and issues. Contains 48 references. (Author/AEF)

The basics of online searching for bibliographic citations are presented through use of the "Economic Literature Index" (ELI), which is available as File 139 on Dialog Information Services. This article focuses on the choice of media for bibliographic searches, search strategies, and the selection of alternative databases, such as "Social Scisearch" and "Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (AWPE)". Six major types of retrieval techniques are addressed: (1) author searches; (2) searches for words in titles or abstracts; (3) searches using keywords or subject descriptor codes; (4) searches that combine all three techniques; (5) searches for articles that cite a particular article; and (6) retrieval of citations and abstracts of working papers. Searching examples for specific topics such as efficiency wage theory, comparable worth, productivity studies, and auction theory are described, along with the relationship of ELI subject descriptor codes to the classification system used in the printed versions of the "Journal of Economic Literature" and "The Index of Economic Literature". Appendixes include an ELI file description, classification system descriptors and codes, and a sample search request form. (JHP)

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and presents the research and development experiences of three educational networking projects associated with the University of Kansas. Topics addressed include network information services; designing information retrieval interfaces for educators, including the use of hypermedia and Boolean searching; organizational considerations; and empowering teachers with information services. (36 references) (LRW)

Discusses the development of practical strategies for library mediation between Internet resources and potential users. Topics addressed include a hierarchy of information skills; awareness of information services and resources; the information structure of a discipline; analysis of information needs; and retrieval, evaluation, and management of information. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Defines electronic information services and the competencies required for librarians providing them. Highlights include personal characteristics; basic skills, including computer use, navigation, and word processing; general knowledge, including information storage and retrieval, copyright, and ethics; and education, including formal education, on-the-job training, self-education, apprenticeship, and continuing education. (LRW)

Discusses the use of library consultants to advise health authorities in developing countries on improving information support to personnel employed in the national health system. Structural and organizational aspects are addressed; financial aspects are discussed, including alternative, nongovernmental funding sources; and collection development and bibliographic information retrieval are considered. (nine references) (LRW)

Discusses the need for a National Information Documentation Centre (NIDOC) in Nigeria. Topics addressed include functions of NIDOC, the location of NIDOC, including the role of the National Library; results of user studies; information storage and retrieval; library staff requirements and training; and access to national information sources. (17 references) (LRW)

The mere fact that a library service is being used does not mean that the service makes a difference or has a positive impact on the user. This has significant implications for Special Library and Information Services (SL&IS) that have to constantly prove that they add value. Because of the difficulty of measuring impact effectively, the majority of libraries still appear to measure performance quantitatively (how many books do we have, how many are used etc.) instead of looking at the difference the service actually makes. This paper discusses specifically the impact an information service has on the ability of natural science researchers to perform their research effectively and efficiently. A focus group, short survey and 15 interviews were conducted with researchers that use SL&IS in their research at the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)--the largest research Council in Africa. The results showed that researchers felt that Library and Information Services have a positive impact on the research process. The two most important indicators of impact chosen by the researchers were firstly, time saved in information retrieval and delivery and secondly, higher success rate in research. In contrast with Poll's (2005) view, researchers felt that Library and Information Services do not necessarily impact on growing their skills and competencies or their attitude and behaviour as researchers. The relationship between the librarian and the researcher also came to light as very important in the research process. The study also identified further important indicators of impact which will serve as the foundation for a more in-depth research study. (Contains 2 tables and 7 figures.)

This paper describes an autonomous citation index named CitEc that has been developed by the authors. The system has been tested using a particular type of grey literature (GL) i.e. working papers available in the RePEc - Research Papers in Economics - digital library. Both its architecture and performance are analysed in order to determine if the system has the quality required to be used for information retrieval and for the extraction of bibliometric indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lists information storage and retrieval devices as a representation of improvements and changes throughout the past several millennia. Examines characteristics of past and present devices and identifies those characteristics that are important for carrying into the future. Discusses implications for information centers striving to provide cost-effective, quality services to their users. (Contains 14 references.) (AEF)

This essay addresses factors that influence a customer's perception of the value of online information delivery services: evident costs, uncertain return, long-term return, not directly productive, overhead expense, and differential use. Roles assumed in acquiring and using information services (purchasers, searchers, consumers), price, and education of vendors and suppliers are discussed. (EJS)

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

Summarizes difficulties in creating formal bibliographic citations to public access machine-readable documents (PAMD): no established format for PAMD references in tradition of scholarly writing; structure of computer conferencing results in authors using language different from that used in written communications; information storage problems of computers (volatility, identification, authentication). (6 references) (EJS)

Defines artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems; describes library applications utilizing AI to automate creation of document representations, request formulations, and design and modify search strategies for information retrieval systems; discusses expert system development for information services; and reviews impact of these developments on library/information science education. (MBR)

Reviews recent progress in the development and use of online retrieval services, integrated online library support software, and communication and networking standards. A description is provided of a prototype system that would combine a gateway capability with a locally managed facility to meet a library's total needs. (EM)

This discussion of Alanet, a comprehensive information system for professional librarians, covers its development; program features; advantages; uniqueness as a complete and integrated electronic information system for library professionals; system applications; benefits; costs; future developments; and user education. (MBR)

Proposes a framework for the design of a full function workstation for information retrieval based on study of information seeking behavior. A large amount of local storage of the CD-ROM jukebox variety and full networking capability to both local and external databases are identified as requirements of the prototype. (MES)

Describes an experiment which compares two methods of charging users for online searches; first, a time-based charge; and second, a two-part fee determined by connect time and citations printed. The results are analyzed in terms of patterns of user activity under both systems. (CLB)

Argues that information management calls for development of an organizational strategy that encompasses users, information resources, and the available and appropriate technology. Discussion of factors involved includes the nature of information and information resources, variance in information usage, and guidelines for developing a strategy to manage information effectively. (MBR)

Examines current problems and future roles of libraries in facilitating the growth of knowledge, and discusses the regulative role of price mechanism, autonomy, and centralism, given the role of criticism and the problem-solving nature of research. Issues discussed are examined against national library and information services planning proposals. (CWM)

Examines the development and current status of research on personal information systems, i.e., those systems where an individual collects, annotates, and stores bibliographic information according to his own needs and preferences. Effects of computer-based dissemination services on the growth and management of these systems are discussed. Included are 16 references. (Author)

Discusses the applications of online systems and other computerized systems in public library information and referral (I&R) services. A number of specific examples are presented and computer equipment and software relevant to I&R services are listed in two tables. A 10-item reference list and an appendix of I&R projects are attached. (JL)

Considers the impact of technological advancement upon the role and function of the library catalog in the future. The state of the art in library catalogs, the information environment in 2006, future information services, and subject access systems are among the topics addressed. A 31-item reference list is attached. (JL)

Discusses the controversy over whether or not libraries should charge fees for online bibliographic services, reviews the evidence for imposing fees, for maintaining free services, and outlines the relevance of certain sections of the United States Code to decisions concerning the provision of information. Twenty-four references are included. (JL)

The solution to the problem of information overload and the management of scholarly information lies in productive use of technology, sharper focus and greater integration in handling information, and expansion of the roles of library staff. (Author)

This 26-item annotated bibliography cites articles and conference papers from 1981-1984 related to end-user searching of online databases in three sections: End-User Search Services and Systems, End User versus Intermediary, and Training of the End User. Questions concerning role of the librarian/intermediary and cost effectiveness of end-user searching are addressed. (EJS)

Four papers describe systems adopted by public libraries in the United States for computerizing community information services and information and referral programs. Word processing at the Fresno County Information and Referral Network and the automation of library processes in the Pikes Peak Library District are among the topics discussed. (JL)