Describes a study that examined the ability of the dBase database management system to perform secondary key retrieval on multivalued data items. The results are presented as time cost relative to the number of matching records, and situations in which a different management system might be appropriate are identified. (CLB)

Describes PCBIS, a database program for MS-DOS microcomputers that features a utility for automatically converting online public access catalog search results stored as text files into structured database files that can be searched, sorted, edited, and printed. Topics covered include the general features of the program, record structure, record…

A microcomputer database management system is used to create and index profiles of individual college faculty and to monitor their expertise (curricular, research, professional subject interests) and trends in university programs. The faculty profile is useful in improved referrals, collection development activities, staff orientation, and public…

Integrating machine-readable data files and microcomputer software (combined as MRDF) into traditional library and information services by incorporating a MARC format for them into the bibliographic networks will increase access to those materials. Standards for their bibliographic control have been developed and progress is being made in their…

This article reviews and evaluates literature dealing with choosing software for creation of microcomputer-based in-house databases in the information center. Sections on purchasing versus programing, directories of software, evaluation of software, and sources for software descriptions or reviews are included. Appendices list microcomputer…

A retrospective conversion tool permitting libraries with a microfiche reader and Apple microcomputer to convert bibliographic and holdings files to computer-readable tapes in MARC format is described. The basic process, library costs and MARC tape costs, use of system in Wisconsin, and user's view of the system are noted. (EJS)

Describes use of personal computer connected to large, multilibrary bibliographic system (Illinois' Library Computer System network) to model an analysis of record duplication across entire system. The pilot project, compressed records, the test database utilizing records from four libraries, and the matching scheme are discussed. Five sources are…

Describes a videodisc-based information display system in which a computer terminal is used to search the online PATSEARCH database from a remote host with local microcomputer control to select and display drawings from the retrieved records. System features and system components are discussed and criteria for system evaluation are presented.…

Discusses the technological changes that will necessitate the prospective conversion of library data over the next decade and addresses the problems of converting data from obsolete personal computers to newer models that feature radically different operating systems. Three case studies are used to illustrate possible scenarios. (11 references)…

Reports on the design and use of a computer system designed to assist online database searchers in determining the relevance of downloaded abstracts. The system, which runs on a personal computer, includes aids for individual review of abstracts and semiautomatic determination of relevance; prospects for fully automatic use are discussed. (CDD)

As college faculty and students become increasingly sophisticated in the use of microcomputers, academic libraries must resolve common issues involved with the decision to add data disks to their collections, including selection policy, hardware and supplies, acquisition and cataloging, location, staffing, level of service, circulation, and…

Discusses institution of public access microcomputers in Adult Continuing Education Department of Forsyth County Public Library, noting three goals and how they are being met--computer literacy, information/instruction, and development of a local educational opportunity database. A list of books and magazines used in the computer center is…

This second article on standardization in the application of computerized automation to materials in special collections libraries focuses on map collections and archives. Highlights include the use of bibliographic utilities; MARC formats; the use of microcomputers; databases; and examples from North America and Western Europe. (Contains 18…

This four-article section focuses on information storage capacity of the optical disk covering the information workstation (uses microcomputer, optical disk, compact disc to provide reference information, information content, work product support); use of laser videodisc technology for dissemination of agricultural information; encoding databases…

This article reports on portion of Non-Print Project in which still image disks from Prints and Photographs division are being linked to microcomputer database with results that hold promise for preservation, access, collections management, and security. Bibliographies on videodiscs (6 items) and cataloging of graphic materials (10 items) are…