Dialog in the City: An On-Line Information Computer Retrieval System, Demonstrated by Selected Cities in Ohio

摘要

The main thrust of this experiment was to determine the usefulness of references contained in information files (data bases) for local government problem-solving and decisionmaking. Terminals were used to access the DIALOG interactive information retrieval system developed by Lockheed. The problems and successes of the program were reported with the hope that the experience of these Ohio cities (Akron, Canton, Columbus, Dayton, Middletown, Toledo) would help future online information retrieval projects and would help pave the way for local governments to be included in future technology transfer systems. A number of recommendations were made: (1) providers of online searching should consider the municipal user in developing training programs for searching; (2) the current research in applications of online techniques and technology should be continued and expanded; (3) municipal decisionmakers contemplating the implementation of this technology must consider staff availability and their role in the decisionmaking process.