Access Insights
Changing Ownership Patterns in the Information Industry
What is the Information Industry?
Read MoreOffshore Keyboarding — How to Choose, What to Look For
As more and more people look into the computerization of their database, whether the internal files are bibliographic or full text, they quickly realize that building a database is highly labor-intensive.
Read MoreData Entry: The File Becomes a Reality
In previous columns, we have discussed many of the basics of preparing the data for a computerized file. We have stressed being sure that the editorial policy and individual rules are set consistently so that the data may be easily retrieved once it is entered into that big black box called the computer. The next and very important step is computerization of the data, or converting already-computerized data to match the specifications of the hardware and software system you are going to run your file on–an exciting but exacting task. The data can be made to match your machine by using photocomposition tapes, MARC tapes, floppies, hard disks, paper, forms, catalog cards, brochures, and any number of other information sources.
Read MoreHiring for Database Production
How do you find good people to hire? What do you look for in new employees? What kinds of interview questions do you ask them?
Read MoreSelecting Hardware and Software
by Marjorie M.K. Hlava First published in Information Today, Vol. 1, Issue 4 (April 1984). People are talking endlessly these days about the selection of hardware and software for your business, your library, your home, your children, your education, your games, your home security system, etc. The articles on the topic are numerous, and here’s yet…
Read MoreGood Indexing Means Good Retrieval
by Marjorie M.K. Hlava First published in Information Today So far this column has covered design considerations for the building of a database. Editorial guidelines have been set forth. Fields have been discussed and quantified. The next steps involve the tagging or coding of the data in a uniform manner so it can be pulled…
Read MoreFile Design: Those Important First Steps
By Marjorie M.K. Hlava First published in Information Today In my first column, we discussed general editorial and file size considerations. This column discusses the file design questions and opportunities. The next issue will cover vocabulary control, indexing, and abstracting. Once you’ve set your editorial policy and fleshed out those basic questions on size and…
Read MoreInhouse Database Marketing
by Marjorie M.K. Hlava Marketing an inhouse file is similar to marketing any database. Whether the file is commercial or inhouse, there are two main parts to the marketing. First is marketing the idea of a database to upper management. Second is marketing the completed file to raise revenue for maintaining the database. The first…
Read MoreDatabase Production: Determining the Cost
by Marjorie M.K. Hlava Fiirst published as part of Information Today’s Private Files Series, Volume 1, Issue 7. The costs of database production are extremely variable depending on what kind of data you are dealing with and what you want to do with it. So let’s consider the variables from beginning to end and then…
Read MoreDatabase Building Options and Costs
by Marjorie M.K. Hlava Note: This white paper was first published as part of Information Today‘s Private Files Series, Volume 1, Issue 7. People often comment that the cost estimates for database construction seem exceedingly high. In response to those surprised voices, this paper will explore various options available to those who are building a…
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