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

The first of three papers describes the role of Macintosh workstations in a library. The second paper explains why the Macintosh was selected for end-user searching in an academic library, and the third discusses advantages and disadvantages of desktop publishing for librarians. (8 references) (MES)

Discusses the application of cellular technology for cellular data communications (CDC). The cellular phone system industry and market are described; barriers to CDC are explained; CDC applications for online searchers are discussed; and problems with using CDC for online searching are reviewed, including cost, portability, ease of use, and…

This guide introduces the reader to the basics of online database searching using a microcomputer. Following definitions of the terms online, database, and searching, the guide presents information on the online environment, hardware needed, software needed, and configuring the software. A tutorial on online searching covers how to decide when to…

The 15 articles on end-users and online searching that are annotated in this bibliography were published during 1984 and 1985 and cited in Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE) and Resources in Education (RIE). The documents and articles cover a variety of issues and perspectives including: criteria for implementation of end-user online…

Describes the Answer Machine, a microcomputer system which uses the EasyNet software to provide a gateway to more than 900 online databanks. Topics covered include: (1) system features; (2) costs; (3) experiences and results of a user questionnaire at a test site at the University of Pennsylvania; and (4) benefits for libraries. (MES)

Describes the development of a machine readable reference information file at the University of California at Los Angeles. The discussion covers factors affecting the database structure, the use of a sophisticated text management system to enter data onto microcomputers, and possible future implementations of the reference information system. (16…

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for the end user for searching the ERIC database on CD-ROM using the Dialog OnDisc software. Topics include: (1) preparing for the search by analyzing the information need; (2) beginning the search and selecting a search option; (3) modifying the search; (4) displaying the records; (5) printing all…

Describes the development of a menu driven database management program to handle online search statistics reporting requirements for the libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles. Advantages of the program are discussed, including cost effectiveness, autonomy of search service reports, meeting the special needs of individual…

This report provides information on the planning for and pilot testing of a new service called Enhanced Information Services for Administrators and Committees that was developed in 1990 by Electronic Information Services, a unit within the Reference Department of Indiana State University Libraries. The report begins with an early planning memo…

Mail surveys designed to determine the current status of end user online searching were sent to three populations: 473 faculty members in 12 departments at 20 universities, online search coordinators in 89 academic libraries, and 15 library school educators. Direct interviews with 10 university faculty members were also conducted. Faculty were…

Drexel University instituted a microcomputing program in 1984 which required all freshmen to own Apple Macintosh microcomputers. All students were taught database searching on the BRS (Bibliographic Retrieval Services) system as part of the freshman humanities curriculum, and the university library was chosen as the site to house continuing…

Presents results of a 1984 survey of microcomputer applications, hardware, and software utilization in the libraries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Findings--which are summarized separately for each country as well as for the group--indicate microcomputer uses are neither as sophisticated nor as varied as expected. (MBR)

Summarizes four options for libraries that want to offer end user searching: end user systems (Bibliographic Retrieval Service's Afterdark, DIALOG's Knowledge Index); front-end microcomputer software (Sci-Mate Searcher, Pro-Search, WILSEARCH); gateway services (EASYNET); and local databases (now available on floppy and compact discs). Advantages…

A 1989 study at Cornell University compared students' competence, behavior, and preference in searching the ERIC database on Silver Platter CD-ROM systems for IBM and Macintosh computers. Although no significant differences in search success were noted between the systems, the majority of students expressed a preference for the Macintosh's…