Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

Describes a 1975 project conducted by the Oregon State University (OSU) library with online vendors to identify problems in obtaining data directly in machine readable form. Producer views on data reuse, data users' reactions, and suggested solutions to legal and procedural problems are discussed. Provided are 15 references. (RBF)

Gives practical tips on how to retrieve and view images from Internet databases, with a description of image file formats and the requirements for viewing and decompression software. A list of nine image databases and a brief description of the University of Arizona library's digital image project are provided. (Contains four references.) (KRN)

Review of major information providers on the Internet that offer business resources focuses on U.S. government, United Nations, and European Community information and suggests sources for keeping current with new information offerings. Electronic bulletin boards, LC MARVEL, university Gophers, and TECnet are described; and access and subscription…

Briefly evaluates the use of the InfoTrac system by students at the Indiana University library for computer-assisted searching. The evaluation covers the reliability of the equipment and software; improvements in the system; user needs and satisfaction; and emerging competitive systems. (CLB)

Describes the downloading capabilities of the WESTMATE version of the WESTLAW retrieval system and compares WESTLAW to LEXIS in terms of downloading functions and costs. The steps involved in WESTLAW access with standard communications software are outlined, and sample screen displays are appended. (CLB)

Discusses the need for information science schools to prepare graduates for computer use and database design, and reports the findings of a survey of schools that examined the extent to which such courses are taught and the content of those courses. Questions and suggestions about the teaching of database design are also discussed. (four…

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…

Describes online databases available through the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) that focus on research in the humanities. A survey of five databases (AVERY, ESTC, RIPD, SCIPIO, and AMC) is presented that includes contents, search capabilities, and record formats; and future plans are discussed. (12 references) (LRW)

Describes the steps involved in designing a user manual for an in-house database. Topics covered include goal definition, target audience identification, production scheduling, design and production choices, testing and review, and updating of the manual. (CLB)

Evaluates usefulness of LegalTrac Database at University of Florida College of Law for information coverage; indexing; ease in locating information compared to online and manual searching; and user reactions. Problems encountered with the system's software and equipment and practical suggestions for its use are included. (CDD)

Describes techniques for using the SCISEARCH database to determine how often a particular journal is cited by authors affiliated with a particular institution. The use of CROSSTALK and WordPerfect to create offline searches to minimize costs is explained, and using the resulting information to make journal subscription and cancellation decisions…

Discusses the information database Britannica Online. Topics include compact discs versus online feeds; database delivery via the Internet; use of technology such as hyperlink, graphics, audio, and video; Britannica's search engine architecture; search options; user reactions, and costs. (AEF)

Discusses the publication of short stories and problems of electronic access to them through online databases. Magazines that publish short stories and are indexed in databases are discussed, electronic access to university publications is described, online citations and abstracts are explained, and the future of fiction is considered. (four…

Presents the background, database, user instructions, design criteria, hardware, and commands of the online catalog system at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) library, as well as self-instructional features of the system. Evaluation of systems use and potential applications are discussed, and sample displays are provided. (RBF)