Reports on microcatalog use studies conducted at the University of Oregon which demonstrated that users encounter difficulties with multiple-file microfiche catalogs. Retrospective conversion strategies and the costs of converting records into machine-readable form are considered. Thirty-five references are listed. (FM)

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

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)

Describes a user study by library students to assess user attitudes toward the format and information contained in a microfiche catalog. While indicating general user approval, the survey did not discriminate between views of the catalog as a basic finding tool and as a continuation of traditional card catalog information content. (RAA)

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…

A study of patron use of the University of Illinois online circulation system (LCS) found that 56 percent of original known item searches and 86 percent of location searches were successful, and that graduate students use the system very differently from the way undergraduates use it. (FM)

Describes a transaction log analysis of the New York Public Library research libraries' OPAC (online public access catalog). Much of the remote searching occurred when the libraries were closed and was more evenly distributed than internal searching, demonstrating that remote searching could expand access and reduce peak system loads. (Contains…

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).…

Presents and discusses the results of two studies undertaken at the University of California at Berkeley to determine the relative ease of using computer output microform (COM) library catalogs in rollfilm or fiche format for library users and library personnel. Two data tables and 11 references are included. (JL)

This discussion of online public access catalog (OPAC) user assistance includes results of focused-group interviews of 70 OPAC users at six libraries. Importance of printed materials, library staff assistance, users' problems relearning OPAC searching, computer-assisted instruction, multiple-dialog modes, informative system error messages, and…

Discusses characteristics of typical online public access catalogs (OPACs) and examines patron use via printouts of transaction logs for three separate systems. Desirable features of OPACs (mnemonic search commands, boolean operators, forgiveness or automatic truncation, browsing a subject heading index, suggestive prompts) and need for…

Describes methods used at the University of Akron (Ohio) library to increase the usage of government publications, including cataloging that appears in the online catalog, integrating them into bibliographic instruction, listing in pathfinders, and presenting workshops. Examples are appended. (LRW)

Discussion of online public access catalogs focuses on a study that evaluated 3 different systems in Great Britain. Comparative evaluations were made using structured exercises to determine searching techniques and transaction logs to investigate user behavior. Comments on future research are also given. (12 references) (LRW)

Uses continuous-time stochastic models, mainly based on semi-Markov chains, to derive user state transition patterns, both in rates and in probabilities, in a Web-based information system. Describes search sessions from transaction logs of the University of California's MELVYL library catalog system and discusses sequential dependency. (Author/LRW)

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,…