Raises questions about the validity and reliability of doing research online via the proliferation of academic databases. Finds different versions of the Lexis-Nexis database have differing search capabilities. Argues that dependence on database research findings means dependence on decisions made by a few people who design search engines and…

This article analyzes server logs, providing helpful information in making decisions about Web-based services. The author indicates, as a result of analyzing server logs, several interesting things about the users' behavior were learned. The resulting findings are discussed in this article. Certain pages of the author's Web site, for instance, are…

The various steps to be implemented in helping students to interact with the Internet in order to avoid wrong information sites are presented. It is significant that children need to be well guided to reputable sources of information in electronic subscription databases.

In the last issue, this journal asked a question on many librarians' minds, and it was pleased with the depth and variety of responses. As suggested by this journal editorial board member Oliver Pesch, readers were asked, "Many libraries have gone to federated searching to win users back from Google. Is it working?" Respondents approached the…

Outlines some of the basic access, database, and search tools available on the Internet. Includes a list of reference books, manuals, and online electronic papers about the Internet. (Author/JL)

Describes how an introductory course in database management is enriched using the Internet and how students encounter problems with sociotechnical systems. Concludes with observations concerning conditions that must be in place for Internet-augmented systems. (DDR)

A pool of authority records for bibliographic entities (persons, corporate bodies, works/expressions, concepts, objects, events, and places) to use on the Internet is of interest, not only to libraries and their users, but also to publishers, copyright and rights management organizations, museums, and archives. This paper explores different models…

Examines the issue of whether or not federal government-generated databases reside in the public domain. Discusses a 1973 Supreme Court decision (Williams & Wilkins v. The United States), the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, and terms and conditions listed on various government databases. (MES)

Discusses the control of digital content and the stakes for libraries and our democratic culture. Highlights include copyright term extension, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, use of contract law to limit the public domain, database legislation, trademarks versus the public domain, the void in our cultural vocabulary, and the concept of the…

Describes the use of file transfer protocol (FTP) on the INTERNET computer network and considers its use as an electronic publishing system. The differing electronic formats of text files are discussed; the preparation and access of documents are described; and problems are addressed, including a lack of consistency. (LRW)

This book presents interviews with 12 of the best primary researchers in the business. These research professionals reveal their strategies for integrating online and offline resources, identifying experts, and getting past gatekeepers to obtain information that exists only in someone's head. Topics include how searchers use a combination of…

E-learning is becoming more and more popular with the widespread use of computers and the Internet in educational institutions. Current e-learning courses are nearly always developed using course management systems (CMS), such as WebCT or Blackboard. Although CMS tools provide support for some administrative tasks and enable instructors to provide…

Describes Internet, a collection of telecommunications networks that links government agencies, educational institutions, and other research organizations so that users can share access to databases and files. Topics discussed include problems in identifying what is available; access concerns; ethical behavior; support and training issues for…

The electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) is higher education's new "got to have it" tool--the show-and-tell platform of the millennium. Hundreds of academic institutions are variously studying, using, or innovating e-portfolio systems. Indeed, the current e-portfolio movement is spawning new university committees; on-campus training modules, books,…

Librarians cannot distribute their collections electronically until the problems of intellectual property and free-and-equal access are resolved. Libraries must overcome restrictions of "virtual libraries" thereby making copyrighted texts freely available. Libraries must be promoted as places where readers freely consult both copyrighted…