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)

Briefly summarizes the results of a recent American Library Association (ALA) study on "Financing Online Search Services in Publicly Supported Libraries." The background of the survey, the general patterns revealed by responses concerning the kinds of fees charged to users, and the availability of the complete study are included. (JL)

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)

Discusses the use of pathfinders, i.e., bibliographic tools designed to assist patrons in locating published information in specific fields by themselves. Use of pathfinders as teaching tools and special suggestions for their development by public libraries are noted. A pathfinder on personal financial management is included. (EJS)

Describes the features and operations of a user-searchable online catalog called PaperChase which was developed and implemented for the retrieval of medical literature by physicians at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Interaction with the system and use of the catalog during its first year of operation are discussed. (JL)

Describes the Z39.50 information protocol standard and how it will simplify the ability to acquire electronic information. The role of the Z39.50 standard in facilitating communication between computers, its significance to librarians, and the potential of the protocol are discussed. How the standard works is discussed in terms of client/server…

Defines library and information science as the creation, sorting, managing, and transferring of information. Introduces ODAPCOSRIU (origin, dissemination, acquisition, properties, classification, organization, storage, retrieval, interpretation and use) to help define it and explains I&OE (Inner and Outer Environment Model) as a graphic…

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…

Explains why the Internet is not replacing libraries. Highlights include the lack of substantive material that is available; problems with finding what is there; the lack of quality control; physical difficulties with reading electronic texts; high costs of digitizing; and lack of access to older material. (LRW)

Summarizes speeches from a debate about the future of reference librarians. Highlights include a decline in traditional reference statistics; the growth of commercial online reference services; attempts to move traditional services to the Web; and users' needs for librarians to help them find authoritative, unbiased, free information. (LRW)

Presents 10 tips librarians and media specialists can use in taking a query-based approach to teaching users how to search the Web. Steps for searching include: defining the nature of the quest; choosing the most useful tool; and constructing the proper search statement. A sidebar lists 17 search tools with their URLs. (AEF)

Describes the Health Sciences Information Tools 2000 university-public school collaborative initiative. Its premier goal is to teach the practical application of information search and evaluation strategies and use of health-related Internet databases. Students cite the most valuable component of the program to be a heightened self-confidence in…

Discusses the development of electronic books and considers marketing and distribution, rights management, and technical standards. Economic and institutional relationships, copyrights, Extensible Markup Language (XML), access to content, free access versus fees, preservation versus loss of control over long-term storage and access, and trusted…

Describes three ways in which libraries use computers to enhance reference services: "Answers," the community information and referral service at Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts; the Hot Topics File at State University of New York/Oswego, Penfield Library; and features of RLIN and WLN databases which make them valuable…