Reprints of 20 articles pertaining to the topics of end-users and public access appear in this volume, which is one in a series of volumes of reprints from "ONLINE" and "DATABASE" magazines. Edited for information professionals who use electronically distributed databases, these articles address such topics as: (1) managing a…

Evaluates usefulness of LegalTrac Database at University of Florida College of Law for information coverage; indexing; ease in locating information compared to online and manual searching; and user reactions. Problems encountered with the system's software and equipment and practical suggestions for its use are included. (CDD)

Describes the planning and implementation of a library automation system which encompasses four campus locations of a community college, and includes automation of technical processes and full access to holdings and circulation records of all the libraries involved. Software and hardware considerations are discussed, and guidelines to automation…

Provides background on ERIC and describes how to search the compact disc version of the ERIC database using SilverPlatter. (MES)

Summarizes advantages, components, and manufacturers of CD-ROM networks based on experiences at the Central Connecticut State University library. Three configurations are described, and the steps in installing a network where a large number of databases are shared by a number of microcomputers are detailed. Licensing and network performance issues…

Saint Mary's University Academic Library (Texas) established remote access to its computer network. Discusses access issues including network protocols and support; multitasking; CD-ROMs; printing capabilities; connection methods; and keyboards. Describes choices of operating systems and software: J&L Chatterbox, bulletin board systems, and…

Describes the implementation of the Western Library Network's LaserCat CD-ROM catalog in the medium-sized academic library at the University of Idaho. Selection of LaserCat, creation of a LaserCat/Information desk in the library lobby, staff training, staff reactions, and user reactions are discussed. (Nine references) (Author/MES)

Using the experiences at the Vanderbilt University libraries as illustrations, this article addresses several concerns faced by libraries as they implement CD-ROM technology: (1) funding issues; (2) using multiple discs; (3) networking; (4) staff training; (5) end user training; (6) CD-ROM, print, and online differences; and (7) product…

Describes current developments in microcomputer technology, including CD-ROM, the 80386 microprocessor, and the graphic user interface. It is argued that, as the information handling capacity of microcomputers increases, the microcomputer industry will increasingly market information to end users, and the library will be challenged to provide the…

Discusses the George Washington University Library's experiences as a test site for Silver Platter/Psychlit. Advantages of the CD-ROM concept, including visibility, accessibility, costs, and sophistication, are noted; crucial issues in deciding whether to acquire a CD-ROM product are considered; and CD-ROM is described as a means for integrating…

Explores the management of CD-ROM service in Malaysian academic libraries and marketing strategies used to popularize it. Findings revealed that these libraries use a variety of marketing and promotional channels, some of which need improvement; the libraries need to strengthen their end-user education programs to suit users with different levels…

This collection includes four handouts: (1) "Selection Critria Considerations for Computer-Based Resources" (Linda B. Richardson); (2) "Software Collection Policies in Academic Libraries" (a 24-item bibliography, Jane W. Johnson); (3) "Circulation and Security of Software" (a 19-item bibliography, Sara Elizabeth Williams); and (4) "Bibliography of…

Argues that librarians should and can develop new electronic information products to meet their users' needs and describes the development of three such products at the Graduate School of Management Library at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)--the RATIOS file, the REF-LITE Project, and the expert system Who?Biz. (EA)

Describes the networking of CD-ROM drives in libraries to accommodate users' simultaneous access to the same CD-ROM. Highlights include costs; vendors who supply local area network hardware and software; licensing practices; and a sidebar that describes the use of CD-ROM networks at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas. (LRW)

Describes the situation at the Texas A and M University Library that led to the decision to provide demonstrations of CD-ROM databases outside of the library setting. The equipment requirements, microcomputer selection, and use of large screen projectors are discussed, and guidelines are provided for organizing a transportable demonstration…