Focuses on the information needs of users that are changing as a results of changes in the availability of information content in electronic form. Highlights the trend and nature of the physical form in which information content is currently being made available for users' access and use in electronic information environments. (Author/LRW)

The Main Library at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (California) is actively challenging the traditional roles of libraries and information scientists. Innovative projects revolve around biomedical and environmental information services and envision new ways to serve information users. The library of the future will involve increased…

Considers three-dimensional impact of future information society on libraries--diffusion of information technology (library automation, electronic bibliographic control, remote access to library); transformation of societal systems (appearance of information literacy educational system, intelligence infrastructure); and changing human needs (goal…

Argues that information management calls for development of an organizational strategy that encompasses users, information resources, and the available and appropriate technology. Discussion of strategy development includes the nature of information, information resources, variance in information usage, and guidelines for developing a strategy to…

Argues that information management calls for development of an organizational strategy that encompasses users, information resources, and the available and appropriate technology. Discussion of factors involved includes the nature of information and information resources, variance in information usage, and guidelines for developing a strategy to…

This discussion of Alanet, a comprehensive information system for professional librarians, covers its development; program features; advantages; uniqueness as a complete and integrated electronic information system for library professionals; system applications; benefits; costs; future developments; and user education. (MBR)

Discussion of the potential of new developments in information technology for providing access to information highlights the potentials of hypertext and hypermedia technologies. Topics discussed include the interconnectedness of knowledge; skills needed for information handling; cooperative partnerships among professors, librarians, designers, and…

Reports on a research project to build a new indexing technique, integrating experiences in database searching and indexing into a matrix model based on Internet use. Emphasizes the need for improving Web usability in specific domains and gives two examples from Italian Web sites, one for museums and one for health information. (Author/LRW)

This interview focuses on usability testing, one method for evaluating whether library Web sites are useful for users. Discussion includes: benefits and drawbacks of usability testing; why it is important; lessons learned from testing; advice for someone interested in doing a study; and recommendations. (AEF)

Discussion of voice as the communications device for computer-human interaction focuses on voice recognition systems for use within a library environment. Voice technologies are described, including voice response and voice recognition; examples of voice systems in use in libraries are examined; and further possibilities, including use with…

Reviews some of the factors which an organization (i.e. company, university, government, institution, etc.) may consider when deciding whether or not to establish a presence on the World Wide Web or, if it already has one, whether it is using it optimally. Topics include Internet capabilities; types of information services; user needs; and access.…

Describes two conceptual teaching models that facilitate end users' interrogations of online information retrieval systems. These models represent the systems' internal structures and functional outcomes based on the users' experiential frameworks. (16 references) (Author/CLB)

Argues that users' needs should play a more prominent role in the design or choice of an online catalog in a specific library, and outlines requirements which enhance ease of use. Areas discussed include operational control, search formulation control, access points, output control, user assistance, and hardware requirements. (nine references)…

Questions whether IOLS (integrated online library systems) effectively serve all the needs of libraries and encourage the development of each module to its fullest potential. Suggests that the needs of acquisitions departments are often not met, due to emphasis on circulation modules and OPACs (online public access catalogs). (Author/LRW)

Reviews the theory, background, and general applications of hypertext and describes the design of Glasgow Online, an integrated database of information on the life and times of the city. Problems with the design of an interface for non-expert users and possible models for structuring information and establishing links are discussed. (12…