An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

Findings of a longitudinal study indicate high success rates for OCLC as a source of cataloging copy. They further suggest that holding patterns for many types of materials may be unnecessary. (Author/RAA)

This paper analyzes 27 English language published articles and monographic works which present comparisons of the online systems of OCLC and Research Libraries Group (RLIN) and discuss their effect upon library programs. A description of the literature, conflicting perceptions, and system advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. (25…

Review of research on online public access catalogs sponsored by Council on Library Resources notes the scope and method (questionnaires administered to catalog users and nonusers in 29 participating institutions) and findings and applications (including organizational setting and computer system, catalog use and satisfaction, and implications).…

Proposes a coordinated scholarly information system that would comprise a variety of independent suppliers of information. Highlights include key aspects of the system (quality control, terminals, communications, user interface, long-term planning), and various information sources (libraries, shared cataloging, information retrieval services,…

Concludes that videotape library instruction significantly increases library skills of college students for computer database searching and research paper writing. (RAA)

Describes a study that examined the appropriateness of database selection by patrons using CD-ROM. The findings discussed include the effect of search experience on appropriate database selection, whether the database used affected search strategies, and patrons' opinions about the need for training and the success of the searches. (three…

Proposes that methods intended to assist in information retrieval be grouped together and that the group be called "informed retrieval," a process which uses feedback from an information system to improve retrieval results. It is suggested that an integrated framework be developed that includes authority control and informed retrieval as…

Describes important techniques by which library users avoid information overload, clarifies the terminology in the information overload literature, and reviews the major findings of this literature in the context of library applications. Implications for users and librarians are discussed. (CDD)

This essay addresses issue of uniformity or consistency in application of subject headings--as distinct from consistency among headings--to books on any given topic. Discussion covers purpose of subject headings or descriptors, reliability of choices made by catalogers when assigning subject headings, and card and online catalogs. (18 references)…

Describes collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

Describes a study that investigated factors associated with frequency of use of ERIC CD-ROM in an academic library, including gender, age, level of familiarity with computers, and level of study. The implications of the findings for the allocation of library resources and personnel to meet users' needs are discussed. (11 references) (CLB)

Surveys reactions of students and faculty to the online circulation system at University of Guelph Library, Ontario. Findings concerning status of users, frequency of use, effectiveness of instructions on screen, convenience of terminal locations, type of information required by user, and general comments are noted. Four references are provided.…

Analyses of the success-failure rates and user reactions using four public access online systems indicate that users overwhelmingly preferred the online to manual systems. Improved subject access emerged as the salient feature requiring improvement. Seven references are included. (Author/RAA)

Describes a survey of academic libraries that examined whether the availability of abstracting and indexing services online has resulted in the cancellation of equivalent print subscriptions. The results indicate that subscriptions are being cancelled at a significant rate because of cost and lack of use rather than the availability of online…