Academic libraries have traditionally collected reference statistics using hash marks on paper. Although efficient and simple, this method is not an effective way to capture the complexity of reference transactions. Several electronic tools are now available to assist libraries with collecting often elusive reference data--among them homegrown…

Describes a survey on the use of microcomputers in special libraries. The discussion of the findings includes types of hardware and software in use; applications in public services, technical processes, and administrative tasks; data back-up techniques; training received; evaluation of software; and future plans for microcomputer applications. (1…

A study of 170 undergraduates at the University of Washington examined the effect of terminology and screen layout on student ability to select databases from an initial online interface, "Session Manager." Results indicated that student ability to navigate menu screens was improved with expanded terminology and type grouping of online…

Describes the Marquette University Interlibrary Loan Log, which is an online log of borrowing and lending requests. Applications of the interlibrary loan data for statistical reporting, management decision making, collection development, online enhancement, and copyright monitoring are discussed. (3 references) (CLB)

Discusses the use of optical disk technology in online searching and compares three versions of the ERIC database currently available on optical disk in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, scope and cost of the system, search procedures, displaying and printing results, and documentation and user support. (CLB)

Reviews current thinking on microcomputer hardware and software selection; outlines several ways in which microcomputers may be used in media centers (inventory, circulation, telecomputing, word processing, decision making, computing literacy, recreation); and identifies some commercially available software which fulfills the need of specified…

Analysis of data on 100 libraries of all types reports the number of libraries holding different categories of software, as well as total number of software packages owned and most popular titles in each category. The categories identified were word processing, data management, spreadsheets, communications, educational, library-specific,…