Discusses MARC records and describes a HyperCard script that translates MARC records from a communications format into an easy-to-read tagged format. An appendix lists a script from a HyperCard program called "The MARC Reader," and it is suggested that it could represent the beginning of an automated catalog. (two references) (LRW)

Presents the results of a survey of 18 vendors of PC- and Mac-based multifunction library systems that include either circulation or patron access catalogs. Highlights include software alone or turnkey systems, operating systems, programming language, sales, profitability, and support staff. (LRW)

Discusses recent changes in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), arguing that the adoption of the well-recognized codes for thesauri has created confusion because the LCSH is not a true thesaurus. The distinction between subject headings and terms are clarified and a possible solution to the problems with the LCSH is suggested. (5…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

Reports on new products and services unveiled at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in New Orleans, including a remote training service for librarians installing new automation systems which offers complete interactive user instructions via the Web; products for managing digital collections, including accessing online catalogs…

Reviews five CD-ROM catalogs: (1) Auto-Graphics Impact; (2) Brodart LePac; (3) GRC LaserGuide; (4) Library Corporation Intelligent Catalog; and (5) MARCIVE Pac. General guidelines for selecting a CD-ROM catalog are discussed, and vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (MES)

Presents results of an evaluation of C.D. Cat, a CD-ROM union catalog developed by the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania consortium. Outcomes are reported in the areas of bibliographic quality, user evaluation, public relations strategies, bibliographic instruction, and guidelines for continuing operations. Recommendations are…

Compares pricing of seven CD-ROM-based public access catalog systems for libraries of diverse sizes and groupings. Other features of the systems are outlined in the broad areas of database preparation, indexing, database updates, hardware, information retrieval, library controlled elements, interlibrary loan, reports, user support, future…

BiblioFile Intelligent Catalog is a CD-ROM-based public access catalog system which incorporates graphics and sound to provide a multisensory interface and artificial intelligence techniques to increase search precision. The system can be updated frequently and inexpensively by linking hard disk drives to CD-ROM optical drives. (MES)

Describes the use of MultiLIS, a fully bilingual integrated library-management software package, at Laurentian University. The authority control module is explained, its potential as a control system for multilingual or multithesaurus controlled vocabularies is considered, and an evaluation of the MultiLIS authority module is presented with…

Describes the development of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) library information network which provides NRL scientists with access to CD-ROM databases, electronic journals, software applications, the Internet, and the library's online catalog. Implementation phases, system research and development, CD-ROM networking feasibility analysis,…

Compares features of user interfaces for CD-ROM public access catalogs by six vendors: (1) Auto-Graphics; (2) Brodart; (3) General Research Corp.; (4) Library Corporation; (5) Library Systems and Services, Inc.; and (5) Marcive. Brief evaluations of the products are included, and detailed descriptions of each are appended. (MES)

Reports information gathered from eight vendors on the preparation of bibliographic data for CD-ROM public access catalogs: (1) sources of bibliographic records; (2) duplicate record handling; (3) holdings and location information; (4) maintaining the database; (5) authority control; (7) record corrections; (7) extraction of subsets; (8)…

Describes a study that assessed the availability and use of microcomputer database management interfaces to online public access catalogs. The software capabilities needed to effect such an interface are identified, and available software packages are evaluated by these criteria. A directory of software vendors is provided. (4 notes with…

Describes an information retrieval system developed at Bell Laboratories to create and maintain a variety of different but interrelated databases, and to provide controlled access to these databases. The components discussed include the interfaces, indexing rules, display languages, response time, and updating procedures of the system. (6 notes…