This review of the research on the use of card catalogs and online catalogs highlights research methodologies and significant findings. Discussion of the results focuses on user needs and satisfaction, and the need to separate bibliographic practices that are universally sound from those that are an adaptation to the medium. (CLB)

This review of the 1986 literature on subject access covers: (1) general works; (2) organization and history; (3) classification systems; (4) classification theory and method; (5) Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH); (6) authority control through LCSH; (7) subject searching through LC-based, assigned subject headings; and (8) other subject…

This paper reviews 19th and 20th century English-language literature dealing with the user friendliness of library catalogs and cataloging. Sections cover literature on: (1) the need for catalogs and the possibility of substituting subject bibliographies for the subject catalog; (2) user needs and the dichotomy between designing catalogs based on…

Focuses on failure of libraries to study or publish comparative costs of cataloging before and after automation. Discussion covers current situation; coping with change; MARC and Anglo-American Cataloging Rules Revised solutions (Library of Congress (LC) revisionary practices, Dewey classification changes, LC subject headings); and question of…

Reviews the 1986 literature on research in the areas of cataloging, subject access, user interface, and administration. The majority of papers selected for inclusion are descriptive studies (surveys using questionnaires or interviews) or case studies of one of more libraries. Thirty-eight references are listed. (MES)

Presents detailed guidelines based on the literature for screen layout and design of online catalogs, and discusses the potential advantages in terms of number of transactions per hour and user satisfaction. Further research questions are suggested and an extensive bibliography is provided. (CLB)

Review of reports and surveys on existing and developing network organizations covers scope and literature sources; networks (structure and governance, management, national, state multi-type, and single-type network surveys and studies); bibliographic utilities (comparisons, characteristics and functions, linking utilities, automated catalog);…

Explores the potential usefulness of the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system as a tool in online retrieval. Unique features of LCC are described and a theoretical analysis of its potentials and limitations in terms of subject browsing, enhanced vocabulary, and class number searching are presented. (CDD)

This review of the literature on the effect of information overload on users' information-seeking behavior focuses on librarians' opinions about the number of references that constitute too many, and users' preferences for maximum numbers of references from online searches, online public access catalog postings, and manual indexes. (35 references)…

Reviews developments in the use of computer systems in libraries in Great Britain, North America, and other countries from 1966 to date. Highlights include MARC developments, cooperative cataloging services, use of microcomputers and minicomputers, turnkey systems, and online public access catalogs; 102 references are provided. (Author/LRW)

An online library system is an example of a complex computer system in that it supports a variety of users, both patrons and staff, and is made up of many intricate programs with complex relationships among them. Certain features are essential to a user friendly system: (1) users cannot get lost in the system; (2) users cannot enter illegal…

A 15-item questionnaire was administered on the online catalog terminals at the University of New England (Australia) to assess student attitudes toward computer technology and the new online catalog, and identify predictors of future online catalog use. Data analyses defined two groups of respondents: "reluctant users" and "naive enthusiasts."…

Reviews the literature on user studies in both online catalogs and bibliographic retrieval systems. User problems with both mechanical and conceptual aspects are reviewed and potential sources of problems due either to individual characteristics or system variables are discussed. Possible solutions and areas that need further research are noted.…

Presents a methodology for describing, analyzing, and evaluating the public service functions of serial file systems, and describes a user study conducted in a university departmental library to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of its system in enabling students new to the library to locate known-items in the serials collection. (CDD)

Defines artificial intelligence and reviews current research in natural language processing, expert systems, and robotics and sensory systems. Discussion covers current commercial applications of artificial intelligence and projections of uses and limitations in library technical and public services, e.g., in cataloging and online information and…