Describes how genealogists visiting the Library of Congress can use Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) to identify genealogies in library's collections. Search strategies within two LOCIS systems--Multiple-Use MARC System (MUMS) and Subject-Oriented-Retriever for Processing Information Online (SCORPIO)--and the PREMARC database for…

Describes a study that electronically monitored 11 public access terminals at the University of Colorado libraries to produce transaction logs that were used to gather statistics and analyze users' behavior when searching online catalogs. Implications for search instruction and systems design are suggested. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Describes how automation improves genealogical reference services and access to sources at the Genealogical Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights include specialized access strategies to the computer-output microfiche catalog, the creation of a union catalog, special outputs from an automated system, and future developments in library…

Students of reference work need help in developing search strategies. The general knowledge of the student and the size of the collection should be considered, then decision factors such as language, time available, amount of information required and space can be ranked. (2 references) (DH)

Discusses the need to reevaluate bibliographic instruction in academic libraries for an expanded online environment based on experiences at Moorhead State University (Minnesota). Topics addressed include the addition of databases to local online catalogs; student searching; search patterns; database characteristics; student search skills; library…

Describes a study conducted at the University at Albany, State University of New York, to identify reasons for library users failing to locate items in the online catalog. An analysis of interlibrary loan requests for items owned by the library is described, and implications for library instruction and staffing are suggested. (eight references)…

Discusses the needs of remote users of online public access catalogs (OPACs). User expectations are discussed; problems encountered by remote-access users are examined, including technical problems and searching problems; support services are described, including instruction, print guides, and online help; and differences from the needs of…

Describes a computer aid developed to assist in academic library reference service using the DataPhase Circulation System, an automated system that features full cataloging records in database and permits local programing. Access points (subject, type of reference work, course) and database structure and user screens are highlighted. (EJS)

Patron use of periodical indexes was studied by interviewing patrons on random basis as they used periodical and newspaper indexes. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on citation elements, how patrons locate magazines in library, and how they use university's serials holdings list. Seven references and questionnaire are appended.…

A study of users' keyword searching success and knowledge using the NOTIS online catalog at Indiana State University revealed a low rate of knowledge about keyword searching. Frequency of catalog use, previous online database searching or computer coursework, and library instruction were found to correlate well with search success and keyword…

Discusses overuse and abuse of the online search in academic libraries, citing cases where patrons are not well served by it. Suggestions include helping students define and refine research goals and use of print indexes and abstracts which display citations in context of related literature. (15 references) (EJS)

This study examined the importance of negative searching, or searching to discover topics not previously explored in writing, and its oversight in the library literature. A survey of university faculty revealed a tendency to view negative searching as necessary to scholarly endeavors, but an online literature search showed little discussion of…

A survey of online search techniques of 50 undergraduate and graduate students at Arizona State University's Hayden Library revealed heavy reliance on simple subject searching. The analysis included search types, use of library personnel and online help screens, exposure to library instruction, and length of time at the terminal for citation…

Reports results of an electronic survey of users of CD-ROM databases at a university library. Data are presented on experience level, database selection, how users learned of the service, use of multiple databases, favorite features, user satisfaction, preferred source of help, research strategies, and use of printed versions. A copy of the…

To assist librarians to better understand the information needs of industrial vs academic patrons, this study considers the purpose of searches, the sources checked prior to requesting searches, search characteristics, users' opinion of search results, and typical search profiles of the two groups. (JAB)