In this article, a librarian at Lincoln Memorial University creates library services for an MBA program offered entirely online that is in the early stages of development. The library services include a subject guide and 4 tutorials that will be added to the MBA online orientation. Other services include offering online office hours and…

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…

Discusses two problems related to the use of online catalogs: (1) staff training has not kept pace with new catalogs, resulting in a lack of search expertise in staff and patrons; and (2) users expect instant access to materials found in the catalog. It is argued that these problems must be addressed to adequately serve library patrons. (CLB)

The use of microcomputers with online catalogs is a partnership that is gaining wide acceptance and leading to dramatic changes in how we think about online catalogs. There are two major ways in which microcomputers are used in an online catalog system: (1) the microcomputer provides all the computer support for the entire system, i.e., the…

Libraries in distance education universities such as Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada, are faced with special difficulties when seeking ways to reach out to their students to expand their understanding of libraries as information sources and provide them with the skills to tap library and other information sources. However, developments in…

Research findings indicate improved high school library collections and instruction links to improved college library use and student success. Students with access to an online catalog cited a greater number of periodicals in their research; and those taught by a teacher-librarian about how to locate and use information scored better on high…

This document was developed primarily in response to a bibliographic lecture in an upper-division Afro-American survey course that covers the American colonial period to the present. In addition to representative examples of reference works, bibliographies, bibliographic sources, and periodical indexes, a section is devoted to the proper use of…

Addresses the importance of effective screen and menu design for online public access catalogs, and the responsibility of the instruction librarian to learn required technological information, such as MARC format, in order to influence design. Other concerns for those involved in screen design include screens for gateways, system modules, local…

This study was designed to examine the means and timeliness of identifying and locating information in the present environment of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library, and to determine the means of access that might best be employed during the next decade. Study methodology included an analysis of readings in the professional…

This document describes an investigation designed to examine the possibilities for using both existing and new technologies to increase and enhance public service capabilities at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library, and to recommend an ongoing mechanism for assessing priorities for the application of technology in the…

Assessed library instruction initiatives with respect to OPACs by surveying 414 academic, public, school, and special libraries. Most participants' libraries have modified library OPAC software; librarians continue to teach use of the online catalog; few systems have built-in tutorials; and few have computer-assisted instruction. (Author/JKP)

This videotape provides a general overview of the kinds of services and materials available at the public library. The videotape can be used as part of a general orientation program for volunteers, new users, or community groups. Topics covered include: the information desk and reference services; the Dewey Decimal System and how to locate books…

Describes a study that examined the impact that access to an online catalog in a school library has on the use of academic libraries by college bound high school seniors. The results are discussed in terms of the need to provide access to and instruction in the use of online catalogs to students. (nine references) (CLB)

Describes the alternatives used by the Penn State University libraries to respond to the challenge of providing access to the many different kinds of databases. Approaches include development of a generic interface based on the Z39.50 protocol; staff support, including instruction, reliable documentation, and staff involvement; and better user…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…