Presents responses of five major bibliographic facilities--Library of Congress MARC program, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), Washington Library Network (WLN), and University of Toronto Library Automated System (UTLAS)--to a set of fictional situations involving computer crime and security. (EJS)

Briefly reviews the history of H. W. Wilson Company and describes the development of its automation program, BEACON, which has already been used to produce Cumulative Book Index. The automation of the remaining indexes and possibility of using the system for online information retrieval in the future are noted. (EJS)

Profiles four major bibliographic utilities: the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), the Washington Library Network (WLN), and the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS). (FM)

Briefly describes the origin and development of some major online bibliographic utilities, including the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS), and the Washington Library Network (WLN). (FM)

Describes the use of CD-ROM products containing company and industrial information for job searches and career planning. Examples of potential applications are provided, and search capabilities are examined. Brief descriptions of several products are presented, including a database of Security and Exchange Commission filings, Disclosure, Lotus One…

The Apple-based MITINET system uses several forms of technology (Library of Congress MARC file in microfiche, microcomputers, COM vendor) to produce library database and COM catalog. Cost for MITINET software is based on number of branches or buildings performing conversion, and varies from $250 to $85 per building or branch. (EJS)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of online availability of computerized versions of encyclopedias and notes works currently and soon to be online, searching strategies (subject headings and full-text), cost effectiveness, and librarian skepticism. (EJS)

Describes the Reference by GammaFax Project, which joined nine area libraries to provide cooperative reference access to optical disk databases. The configuration of disk players, microcomputers, and facsimile equipment used by the libraries is explained, and the improvements in cost effectiveness, provision of service, and librarian expertise are…

Observations on impact of WILSONLINE (online access to H. W. Wilson's indexes) on the industry, library services, and end users are drawn from interviews with reference librarians, H. W. Wilson administrative staff, and monitors of database industry. Issues addressed include quality, thoroughness, ease of use, and marketing (demand, pricing,…

Discusses full-text databases and whether existing aggregator databases are meeting user needs. Topics include the need for better search interfaces; concepts of quality research and information retrieval; information overload; full text in electronic journal collections versus aggregator databases; underrepresentation of certain disciplines; and…

This article describes a computerized clearinghouse for children's radio and television designed to help parents, teachers, librarians, and students gather information on programs targeted for preschool through high-school-aged children. Data on 20,000 programs for the pilot, access for special needs audience, and the book/short story connection…

Describes the development of the WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) protocol, a system that allows users access to personal, corporate, and commercial electronic information from one interface. The availability of WAIS on the Internet and the reactions of users are addressed. Several problems are considered, including funding, hardware…

Describes the Freedom Forum International Library Network that has been established in Central and Eastern Europe since 1992 to provide journalists in formerly Communist countries with current, accurate information through print materials, online databases, and CD-ROMs. Plans for future expansion are also discussed. (LRW)

Discussion of electronic versions of maps focuses on TIGER files (i.e., electronic maps distributed by the U.S. Bureau of the Census) and their manipulation using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Topics addressed include applications of GIS software, projects to improve access to TIGER files, and the role of GIS in libraries. (MES)

Describes the networking of CD-ROM drives in libraries to accommodate users' simultaneous access to the same CD-ROM. Highlights include costs; vendors who supply local area network hardware and software; licensing practices; and a sidebar that describes the use of CD-ROM networks at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas. (LRW)