Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)

In academic libraries, online searching services and reference departments often have to compete for a share of financial and personnel resources. This paper examines how San Jose State University Library solved the problems of shrinking budgets, space constraints, and loss of trained searchers by integrating the online search service into the…

This packet of materials was developed by the members of a joint task force of librarians from school, public, and college libraries in Ohio as a means of facilitating closer cooperation in defining library instructional goals and activities. It begins with a discussion of the need for such cooperation and suggested roles for classroom teachers…

Reviews a wide range of retrieval problems that arose with the implementation of an online catalog in an academic library, especially the problem of retrieving uniform titles coded as authors. The need for changes in the underlying format of coding uniform titles as a universal solution is discussed. (Author/CLB)

This report describes a three-stage catalog use study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 through 1986 to determine the types of searches conducted and search success rates for both the card and online catalogs during the library's transition to the DataPhase Automated Library Information System (ALIS). Phase I, conducted…

Describes a course aimed at developing library self-reliance in students that was offered through a predominantly Black outreach program at Evergreen State College. Highlights include the classroom environment and course content, which were constructed collaboratively by students and librarians, and guidelines for similar courses. (CLB)

Several reference librarians respond to the Hernon and McClure study on the accuracy of library reference services. Highlights include problems with the methodology used (unobtrusive observation), and performance factors not addressed by the study. Comments by Hernon and McClure address these responses and ways to improve reference services are…

Describes a study that used the shelf availability research methodology to identify and quantify the causes of users' failures to identify and locate library materials. The factors resulting in unsuccessful searches are discussed, and recommendations for reducing these factors are made. (26 references) (CLB)

Proposes a rationale to be used in comparing and evaluating alternative library computer catalogs, based on varieties of bibliographic data processed, kinds of indexes constructed, and desired search strategies. A glossary of terms related to computerized catalogs is appended. (Author/CLB)

Discusses the need to teach undergraduate students the critical thinking processes necessary to formulating and researching a topic, rather than the technicalities of online catalogs. The development and design of an online catalog at Dickinson College, which forces students to make informed choices throughout the search process, is described.…

Describes BIBTOOLS, a system of programs for microcomputers that accomplish many of the manual tasks involved in compiling bibliographies. Highlights of the system, which is designed for use with medical databases, include input and output functions, combining the software with online literature searches, parsing, and programs that function as…

Briefly describes DIALOG OnDisc and gives an example of an actual search of the ERIC database using this system. The screen displays and search commands are used to illustrate the differences between the easy menu search method provided for novice users and the command search method provided for experienced users. (CLB)

Reports results of a survey of online catalog users in an academic library in Saudi Arabia that examined search patterns, levels of satisfaction, and user attitudes toward the online catalog. The special problems encountered when searching in a foreign language are discussed, and systems improvements are suggested. (CLB)

This study assesses the role of online searching in school library media centers as it has been reported in the literature and also as seen in the results of a 1986 survey of school-based online providers and vendors. Although online searching in the school environment was not found to be broadly reported in the literature, the survey showed the…

Describes and reports results of a project which used computer assisted instruction to teach public library users to search online databases directly. Tables of data provide information on the study participants; their reactions to the instruction both before and after a search session; and their attitudes toward paying for searches. (CLB)