Discusses the concept of main entry in MARC bibliographic records based on the definition in the revised second edition of the "Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules." Access points versus entries are considered; differences between card catalog and online catalog environments are examined; and primary access is suggested as an appropriate…

Examines strengths and weaknesses of organizational systems developed to organize and access electronic resources available via the Internet. Highlights include library online catalogs; cataloging rules and MARC records; text encoding initiative (TEI) headers; the Internet union catalog; browsing lists; robot-generated indexes; a core data set of…

A truly global supply of bibliographic records and the emergence of online publishing put new challenges on the organization of bibliographic control. Three important cataloging codes are presently under revision, the AACR, the Italian RICA and the German RAK. The basis for a record, the carrier=content dichotomy, is one fundamental issue which…

Defines functionally inaccessible materials as those that have gone through the library's traditional bibliographic processes, but cannot be retrieved when searched by library patrons. Typical examples are given and possible causes are discussed, including traditional cataloging practices and cost considerations. Methods for recognizing functional…

Proposes several methods to catalog monographs that are part of collections to provide users with access to the collection as well as to the individual titles. Highlights include MARC records; online catalogs; bibliographic listings; numeric links through classification schemes; tracing links; and host-item entries. (Contains nine references.)…

This final installment of a four-part series on the National Library Service (NLS) examines recently implemented and future projects, with a focus on alternative formats for patrons with disabilities. Discusses LOCIS, the Library of Congress online public access catalog; MARVEL, the Library of Congress gopher; the NLS Web site; and computer disk…

Summarizes how the Library of Congress' digital library collections can be accessed globally via the Internet and World Wide Web. Outlines the resources found in each of the various access points: gopher, online catalog, library and legislative Web sites, legal and copyright databases, and FTP (file transfer protocol) sites. (LAM)

Discusses the difference in subject access in OPACs (online public access catalogs) between subject searching (authority, alphabetic, or controlled vocabulary) versus keyword searching (uncontrolled, free text, natural language vocabulary). Compares a query on the term "garbage" in two online catalogs and discusses results. (Author/LRW)

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 the debate over the discarding of card catalogs once automated, online library catalogs are implemented. The discussion focuses on the classified catalog of the Science and Technology Department at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The neglected state of library archives and historical developments in library catalogs are considered.…

Provides a framework for examining the complex infrastructure needed to successfully implement a digital library. Highlights include database development, online public-access catalogs, interactive technical services, full-text documents, hardware and wiring, licensing, access, and security issues. (Author/LRW)

A study was conducted that used transaction logs to identify the characteristics of the most complex or problematic user queries. Enhancements are recommended in the design of online catalogs that use search trees to control system responses and to determine appropriate subject-searching terminology and technique. Contains 21 references and 12…

Describes a project at the University of Mississippi Libraries to catalog purchased electronic resources so that access to these resources is available only via the Web-based library catalog. Discusses collaboration between cataloging and systems personnel; and describes the MARC catalog record field that contains the information needed to locate…

Examines the intrinsic value of browsing a library collection, either in the stacks or on an online catalog. The value and cost of classification and shelf-listing is discussed, based on data compiled during studies conducted at Cornell University that timed catalogers while they performed the shelf-listing component of cataloging. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the concept of a virtual library focuses on the needs of the user. Topics addressed include searching remote library catalogs and databases; the availability of information through the Internet and other networks; and the expertise needed by library staff to instruct and assist users. (11 references) (LRW)