Reviews results of microform user studies to reveal which computer output microfilm (COM) products are accepted and which ones are not. Impediments to use are discussed, and a list of further readings on COM is included. (SW)

Reviews the major publications and developments related to descriptive cataloging for 1981, with specific discussions devoted to the continued controversy over the implementation of Anglo American Cataloging Rules 2nd Edition (AACR2), new cataloging tools, technological developments, use studies, and the current state of cataloging. A 63-item…

This paper is a review and analysis of published research in the field of shelf classification in libraries, as well as an assessment of future prospects. Past, present, and proposed rationales for shelving books are described; results of investigations, surveys, and user studies are summarized; and suggestions for further research are presented.…

Explores issues surrounding efforts to introduce online catalogs to users and presents relevant research results from Northwestern University's "Educating the Online Catalog User" project. Highlights include attitudes and preconceptions about online catalogs and instruction, research on online catalog use, suggestions for online catalog teaching,…

This review takes a critical approach in summarizing and evaluating the methodology and scope of catalog use studies, with emphasis on the subject approach to card catalog searching. Subject access is defined in this report; however, the process of subject searching, described repeatedly in library literature, has been based upon common sense…

Discusses library use studies that examined library catalog search failures and demonstrates types of online catalog access that can reduce the failures caused by card catalog flaws or by user search errors by half. The use of single keyword, implied Boolean, or derived truncated key retrieval is suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

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)

This review of the transition from library card catalogs to online public access catalogs (OPAC) (1981-1982) discusses methods employed by online catalog use studies (self-administered questionnaires, OPAC transaction logs, focused-group interviews, feature analysis, online search and retrieval experiments) and new directions for OPAC research…

Presents an Intelligent Negotiating Neural Network Design Model for solving the problem of poor information retrieval in subject searches of online catalogs. The purpose of the network, its architecture, and three different sessions of the user interface are described. Nineteen figures showing screens of the three sessions are appended. (Contains…

Explores the dynamics of information system use to understand the requirements of intelligent information systems. Highlights include the novice/expert distinction and the development of skills from novice to expert; methods for understanding dynamics; and a study of elementary school children's use of an online public access catalog in grades…

Examines studies relating to two aspects of children's use of electronic information media: (1) access to print information through online (or card) catalogs and databases; and (2) direct access to information in electronic format. Gender differences are discussed, and implications of the studies for software development and equality of computer…

Describes a study that was conducted to provide information on the extent of bibliographic instruction in curriculum materials centers (CMCs) or related library/media collections designed for the use of prospective teachers and teacher educators. The study paid particular attention to instruction in the use of online public catalogs. (30…

Reviews recent literature on the use of technology in libraries by children and young adults. Highlights include the effectiveness of interactive information retrieval systems; children's use of card catalogs versus online catalogs; skills needed for success in using library catalogs; children's abilities to formulate searchable queries; and the…