Provides current descriptions of some of the major directories that link to library catalogs on the World Wide Web. Highlights include LibWeb; Hytelnet; WebCats; WWW Library Directory; and techniques for finding new library OPAC (online public access catalog) directories. (LRW)

Asserts that despite growing awareness of frontline public service concerns in accommodating Spanish speakers, little care is invested in the technical processing side of the library's responsibility to Spanish speakers. Examines the usefulness and accessibility of online public access catalogs for monolingual Spanish readers, focusing on records…

Describes minimal-level, or provisional, authority records that are constructed from headings in bibliographic records as part of a computer validation process. Two types of references that can be generated automatically for authority records are explained: (1) those based on other data in the bibliographic record, and (2) those derived from the…

Considers the value of information contained within a library's online public access catalog. Assesses the value of MARC records; authority records; indexes; location and status information; and value for an individual. (LRW)

Discusses the need for accurate documentation of museum holdings and the feasibility of using online library catalogs as models for automated cataloging in museums. The description of museum computer projects covers problems that have impeded automation in the past and the current status of several projects. (34 references) (CLB)

Describes resources available through INTERNET that are of interest to librarians, including electronic newsletters and serials, online library catalogs, bulletin boards, remote access to software or text files, utilities to help navigate the network, sources for learning more about the INTERNET, discussion list guides, and INTERNET library…

Discusses cataloging methods for online catalogs concerning the retrieval of works contained in collections and anthologies. Contents notes, separate added entries for each item, and the use of analytics are considered, and it is suggested that the use of analytics may be the best solution. (Author/LRW)

There are several ways to connect to library catalogs on the Internet: telneting, links via home pages, and online directories. This article discusses Hytelnet and Libgopher, online directories which list available catalogs and make telnet connections to them. Hytelnet is a good resource for OPAC statistics and Libgopher provides keyword…

Discusses the concept of main entry in MARC bibliographic records based on the definition in the revised second edition of the "Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules." Access points versus entries are considered; differences between card catalog and online catalog environments are examined; and primary access is suggested as an appropriate…

Discusses methods of browsing in online public access catalogs (OPACs) and describes one method that uses information pertaining to the physical description of books from MARC records to simulate images of books on a library shelf. Electronic browsing through MARC is discussed, and methods of enhancing OPACs are reviewed. (51 references) (LRW)

Traces the development of online public access catalogs (OPACs) and compares what has occurred with a 1964 article that outlined recommendations for a future card catalog. Subject access is emphasized, including Library of Congress Subject Headings, expansion of OPACs, user-friendly interfaces, new technologies, and current visions of the future…

Describes the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative, an international standard for describing information resources being used to describe Internet resources. Discusses the changing nature of MARC, Dublin core versus MARC for cataloging records, Dublin Core in the library world, and the OCLC-sponsored CORC (Cooperative Online Resources Catalog) project.…

Discusses the graphical user interface (GUI) online public access catalog (OPAC), a user interface that uses images to represent options. Topics include user interface design for information retrieval; designing effective bibliographic displays, including subject headings; two design principles; and what GUIs can bring to OPACs. (LRW)

Describes the Multimedia Visualizer, an online public access catalog (OPAC) that uses animated visualizations to make it more user friendly. Pictures of the system are shown that illustrate the interactive objects that patrons can access, including card catalog drawers, librarian desks, and bookshelves; and access to multimedia items is described.…

Discusses problems with subject searches in online library catalogs and examines theoretical principles for the design of effective information retrieval systems. Probabilistic ranking methods are discussed, and an experimental online catalog called CHESHIRE is described. It is noted that CHESHIRE uses classification clustering, provides natural…