The first of two articles discusses the advantages of online subject searching, the recall and precision tradeoff, and possible future developments in electronic searching. The second reviews the experiences of academic libraries that offer online searching of bibliographic, full text, and statistical databases in addition to online catalogs. (CLB)

Examines use of online access to bibliographic files in library reference service, focusing on two systems: OCLC and Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). The development and current status of each system, differences between systems, search examples, user expectations, and advantages of online access are noted. Twenty references are…

Online course syllabi provide a convenient source of information about library use. This article discusses the strategies used to retrieve syllabi, analyze library use, and develop new opportunities to collaborate with faculty. A new Web-based service was developed to pull course- and library-related materials into a convenient package.

Discusses the concept of a digital library and the utility of space/time referencing. Describes the unified space/time/keyword/format search and retrieval and indexing system of the ISLA (Information System for Los Angeles) at the University of Southern California. Focuses on the practical application of space/time referencing and methods of…

Discusses the need to provide academic library clients more efficient and effective access to Internet information resources that have value for higher education. Examines local systems that Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries have developed over the last several years in response to this need. (Contains 13 references.)…

Describes a library-subsidized walk-in service at Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University, which provides computer-generated bibliographies to undergraduate students at very low cost. Undergraduate needs, models, planning the service (parameters, fees, database selection, promotion), an initial evaluation of the program, and modifications of…

Concepts from Strategic Alignment, a technology-management theory, are used to discuss the Information Commons as a new service-delivery model in academic libraries. The Information Commons, as a conceptual, physical, and instructional space, involves an organizational realignment from print to the digital environment. (Author)

Discusses the feasibility and describes the implementation of small scale periodical index database searching operations for library reference service. The general description, with examples from a small liberal arts college, presents a favorable balance between search service benfits and potential costs. (RAA)

Discusses the role of end users in the design of a multi-format digital library project, ISLA (name derived from Spanish word for "island"), being developed at the University of Southern California library for the study of the Los Angeles region. Topics include spatial and temporal indexing; the geographic information system element;…

A unit designed to help students write better papers by following a specific research strategy was added to a freshman English composition course. Following logical organization of a library from general to specific, the strategy enables students to engage in independent research and obtain high-quality information to support a paper. (EJS)

Critical thinking exercises incorporated into an undergraduate course of bibliographic instruction encourage students to analyze and evaluate information and retrieval methods, thus enabling them to become more effective information users. (AEF)

Provides an overview of the basic components of a digital library. Highlights include library collections; metadata; services, including information seeking and retrieval, reference query fulfillment, and user training; user interaction with digital libraries, including searching, browsing, and navigation; economic support; maintenance;…

Faculty often overestimate the scholarly communication experiences, critical-thinking abilities, and information-seeking skills of the undergraduates to whom they assign papers. A stratified methodology is suggested for teaching information retrieval skills in the classroom. A strong curriculum-integrated approach could ease the burden on students…