Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…

Discussion of a library media center's online microcomputer catalog as compared to use of a traditional catalog includes: patron use (students and teachers), advantages for library instruction, access availability study, reaction by users, catalog system management, and activity journals for documentation. Twenty-three related readings are…

Describes the process of developing and revising a brochure to guide library patrons in conducting an author search on an online public access catalog in order to demonstrate the application of four steps in production of a functional document--analysis; planning; development; evaluation, testing, and revision. Three sources are given. (EJS)

Describes the instructional technology support program at Cornell University's Mann Library (New York) that integrates the print and digital libraries. Highlights include the gateway system, information literacy skills, geographic information systems, courseware, the instructional design laboratory, consulting service, delivering course materials…

Traditional methods of studying and evaluating use of online public access catalogs (OPACs) are discussed and compared to verbal protocol method (spoken records of people describing their work that uncover detailed data about thinking during problem solving). Results of Carnegie-Mellon University protocol study of OPAC users are discussed. (22…

Examines the process involved in creating a library-related Web site based on experiences at Marquette University libraries. Topics include user needs, including library instruction and remote access services; content; design and redesign of the home page, including graphics; responsibility for site management; and future plans. (LRW)

Describes a microcomputer program that serves as a front-end to an online library catalog and other information sources and provides guidance to students on searching for and evaluating information. Funding, technology, evaluation, impact on other libraries, and future plans are discussed. Sample screens are included. (Contains 75 references.)…

Briefly describes the benefits of computer-assisted instruction for library applications in bibliographic instruction and staff training and notes that little quality software is available that is appropriate. Detailed guidelines are provided for librarians to design their own courseware, including planning, designing, writing, programming, and…

Discusses characteristics of typical online public access catalogs (OPACs) and examines patron use via printouts of transaction logs for three separate systems. Desirable features of OPACs (mnemonic search commands, boolean operators, forgiveness or automatic truncation, browsing a subject heading index, suggestive prompts) and need for…

Applies learning theory and ergonomic principles to the design of effective learning environments for library instruction. Discusses features of electronic classroom ergonomics, including the ergonomics of physical space, environmental factors, and workstations; and includes classroom layouts. (Author/LRW)

Iowa State University has used Authorware extensively for its mandatory library skills class. This article focuses on Authorware features, skills and methods for learning it, and describes a process for creating a tutorial using this computer application. (Author)