Library Web sites must compete against easy-to-use sites, such as Google Scholar, Google Books, and Wikipedia, for students' time and attention. Library Web sites must therefore be designed with aesthetics and user perceptions at the forefront. The Music and Performing Arts Library at Urbana-Champaign's Web site was overcrowded and in much need of…

Comparison of the use in libraries of open systems--a configuration of software and hardware components from separate vendors linked by interfaces--and integrated systems considers selection of services; reliability; relationships with vendors; time needed to implement systems; and overall effectiveness of both approaches. (CLB)

To study the users and use of the subject searching capability offered by the new online public catalog at the New York State Library (NYSL) a study was begun before the catalog change in mid-1983 and continued for a considerable time after the change. Data were collected during three 1-week periods; one preceded the catalog change and two…

This study assesses the application of both minicomputers and microcomputers to information-handling procedures and makes recommendations for automating such procedures, particularly in developing nations. The report is based on a survey of existing uses of small computing equipment in libraries, archives, and information centers which was…

This report covers the background, scope, and findings of a multifaceted research project which focused on data collection and analysis related to online public access systems (OPAC's); the ultimate goal of this project is to improve information access through OPAC design and enhancement. To assist library decision-makers when planning for the…

This study of periodical interlibrary loan in New Jersey focuses on access to and sharing of periodical information in the state-wide library networks and investigates the feasibility of providing online search services for such information. The three part study began with a survey of the library literature dealing with networking and an…

Explains videotex, discusses its usefulness in disseminating large quantities of information via computer, and describes the use of videotex at the Glaxo, Inc., library where it is used for a daily news service and newsletters. An evaluation of the videotex services is reported, including usage statistics and results of a library survey. (Contains…

This report describes a three-stage catalog use study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 through 1986 to determine the types of searches conducted and search success rates for both the card and online catalogs during the library's transition to the DataPhase Automated Library Information System (ALIS). Phase I, conducted…

Data for this evaluation of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) School Library Resources Program as operated during the 1983-84 school year were collected via surveys of library media specialists and teachers. The stated objectives of the program scheduled for attainment by June 1984 called for planning a pilot program for…

Describes a project at Stanford University Library that was initiated to enhance user access to government documents collections by developing a prototype natural language computer-based aid. The development of an expert system, Government Documents Reference Aid (GDRA), is explained, and the application of expert systems in libraries is…