This annual publication describes and appraises activities and trends in the field of information science and technology. The chapters contain scholarly reviews of specific topics as substantiated by the published literature. This volume's nine chapters fit within a basic framework of four sections: "Planning Information Systems and Services"; "Basic Techniques and Technologies"; "Applications"; and "The Profession." Chapters are: "Relevance and Information Behavior" (Linda Schamber); "Information Retrieval Techniques" (Paul B. Kantor); "Digital Image Representation and Access" (Javed Mostafa); "Database Access Systems" (Prudence W. Dalrymple and Nancy K. Roderer); "Health Informatics" (Jennifer MacDougall and J. Michael Brittain); "Online Catalogs: Enhancements and Developments" (Ann O'Brien); "Managing Information Systems in State and Local Government" (Patricia D. Fletcher and Deborah Otis Foy); "Information Technology in Education" (Dianne Rothenberg); and "LIS Professionals as Knowledge Engineers" (Alan Poulter, Anne Morris, and Julie Dow). A keyword and author index of ARIST titles for volumes 1-29 is also included. (MAS)