This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Describes a study that examined patron response to and success in using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM. Perceived needs for training and satisfaction with the system were measured by asking patrons about ease of use, search success, their need for assistance, and preferences for CD-ROM or print research tools. The questionnaire used is…

A survey of 121 academic libraries examined five general areas of CD-ROM use: (1) user and librarian acceptance; (2) impact on the printed source; (3) cost; (4) assistance and maintenance; and (5) user confusion with multiple computer resources. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (12 references) (MES)

An investigation of books reviewed (1989-95) in Choice Reviews, the CD-ROM version of Choice, determined all titles mentioned (n44,950) were received or purchased by California State University Dominguez Hills and other academic libraries in the Online Union Catalog (OLUC). Findings were further tested to see how they could be incorporated into an…

Describes a study that surveyed users to examine the impact of a well-established CD-ROM service on traditional mediated searching and library staff workload. Findings discussed include user demographics, notification and training, searching precision and problems, users' perceptions of the service, and users' comparisons of online service to…

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases focuses on a study conducted at Russell Sage College (New York) that examined user attitudes toward CD-ROM technology and shifts in journal usage patterns. Highlights include previous studies, comparisons of print indexes and CD-ROM databases, and suggestions for future research. (LRW)

Describes a model enumerating cost factors for comparing costs for paper, online, and CD-ROM indexes and abstracts. The model is applied to start-up and annual costs, and to the cost of storing and providing access to ERIC, Applied Science and Fisheries Abstracts, and Excerpta Medica, based on anticipated academic library usage. (MBR)

Describes an ongoing project by the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Cortland's library which seeks to facilitate the sharing of CD-ROM databases between four area SUNY college libraries over a wide area network. The resulting impact on reference services is discussed, and user surveys are appended. (Author/LRW)

Reports on the development, practice, and success of instructional methods for teaching CD-ROM use which were explored at the Wayne State University Library. Results of a preliminary survey designed to evaluate user reaction to CD-ROM products are presented. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (MES)

Reports on a study of the impact of CD-ROM on online searching at an academic library. Data are presented on online connect time, numbers of online users, and types of users of various services. The effects of library policy and fees are discussed. (MES)

This research is concerned with the pragmatic performance characteristics of competing information technologies (ITs) and services in the university research center, as measured by user demand and choice. Technologies and services studied include: (1) mediated search service operating at cost recovery, open to all; (2) end-user service collecting…

Collecting statistical data about database usage by library patrons aids in the management of CD-ROM and database offerings, collection development, and evaluation of training programs. Two approaches to data collection are presented which should be used together: an automated or nonintrusive method which monitors search sessions while the…

A survey to discover what academic libraries were doing in the area of CD-ROM networking found that (1) all responding libraries utilized CD-ROM technology; (2) great diversity existed in the number of databases and workstation owned; (3) different staffing patterns exist between networked and nonnetworked libraries; and (4) 21 institutions had…

This study attempted to determine if the type of training that CD-ROM patrons received had an effect on the satisfaction level of their search results by use of the survey method. Kent State University students, faculty, and patrons who used CD-ROM databases for information retrieval were asked to complete a one page (front and back) questionnaire…

Discusses results of a telephone survey of academic, private, corporate, and secondary school libraries that was conducted for UMI (University Microfilms International) to track the use of CD-ROM in the library industry, monitor market share levels, and identify trends. The success of CD-ROM and the growth potential for networking are highlighted.…