Describes a study that examined the effects of end-user CD-ROM MEDLINE on online mediated search requests when there was no fee for an online search. The findings indicate that requests for online searches remained fairly constant, while demand for CD-ROM searches steadily increased. Factors other than cost that affect the popularity of CD-ROM are…

Describes a menu-driven software system for searching CD-ROM databases that also unobtrusively gathers data on CD-ROM usage. The discussion covers the steps involved in creating a log file using DOS, tips for capturing user status, strategies for salvaging incomplete data, and types of CD-ROM usage analysis supported by these data. (three…

Describes a study of federal depository libraries that was conducted to determine how and if depository CD-ROMs were being used. A 23-page appendix includes the questionnaire and responses, which indicate that many GPO distributed CD-ROMs are not being used due to a variety of reasons. (Author/LRW)

This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Describes a study that examined patron response to and success in using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM. Perceived needs for training and satisfaction with the system were measured by asking patrons about ease of use, search success, their need for assistance, and preferences for CD-ROM or print research tools. The questionnaire used is…

Examines the efficacy and utility of the National Geographic Society's Mammals Multimedia Encyclopedia, an interactive multimedia CD-ROM, used by 12-year-old elementary students as the principal source for a summary paper. Existing research, project methodology, student information seeking and recording strategies, form of information accessed,…

A survey of 121 academic libraries examined five general areas of CD-ROM use: (1) user and librarian acceptance; (2) impact on the printed source; (3) cost; (4) assistance and maintenance; and (5) user confusion with multiple computer resources. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (12 references) (MES)

Discusses trends in library reference services, focusing on the needs of the individual user. Highlights include the effects of CD-ROM; the growth of online systems; tiered reference service structures; roving reference librarians; going out to users; user studies; and bibliographic instruction. (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at Jacksonville State University (Alabama) that compared the ERIC print index, "Resources in Education" (RIE), to the ERIC index in CD-ROM format. Accuracy of results, time savings, and user satisfaction are discussed, and copies of the questionnaire and survey are appended. (Author/LRW)

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)

Summarizes a Delphi study that identified high school students' most significant difficulties in using online and CD-ROM databases, suggested design elements and curricular and instructional strategies to make these tools more useful, and determined the most significant policy issues related to the use of electronic information resources in…

An investigation of books reviewed (1989-95) in Choice Reviews, the CD-ROM version of Choice, determined all titles mentioned (n44,950) were received or purchased by California State University Dominguez Hills and other academic libraries in the Online Union Catalog (OLUC). Findings were further tested to see how they could be incorporated into an…

Describes a study that surveyed users to examine the impact of a well-established CD-ROM service on traditional mediated searching and library staff workload. Findings discussed include user demographics, notification and training, searching precision and problems, users' perceptions of the service, and users' comparisons of online service to…

Presents a survey of CD-ROM use in public schools in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Highlights include library use of CD-ROMs, particular products, funding for these products, teacher and student interest, and future involvement with CD-ROM technology. (AEF)

Describes a survey of users of ERIC and AGRICOLA databases in a midsized public university library. Statistics on the use of computerized and print resources, user reasons for choosing the computerized databases, and the percentage of inappropriate or borderline searches are presented; and implications for library services are drawn. (12…