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…

The purpose of the study reported here was to investigate the impact of depository documents in CD-ROM format on academic federal depository libraries in Indiana. In the fall of 1992, a questionnaire was sent to all the federal academic depository libraries in Indiana. Topics covered in the questionnaire were the number of depository CD-ROMs…

Discusses and compares the incorporation of technology by larger public libraries in Canada and the United States. Technology mentioned includes online public access catalogs; remote and local online database searching; microcomputers and software for public use; and fax, voice mail, and Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf and Teletype writer…

This study examines the reliability of article coverage in the American Theological Library Association's (ATLA) Religion Database CD-ROM of two emerging theological fields: lesbian theology and womanist theology. Indexing predictability and consistency of coverage is important for the access of needed documents. There is concern that women's…

Traditionally, libraries have had a role of providing equitable access for those who might not otherwise have access, and this role continues today in implementing access to electronic resources. However, there are special problems in applying this mission to prison libraries. A short history of automation in prison libraries is followed by a…

State Library Agencies (SLAs) and library members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) were surveyed to collect data from potential audiences for American Memory products to assist the planners for this Library of Congress (LC) project. This summary report briefly explains the purpose of the surveys; describes the survey methodology and…

Develops the argument that academic research libraries should use their materials budget to provide access to materials in all formats, including machine readable information in both locally available systems and commercially owned remote online databases. (CLB)

The information needs of a small liberal arts library whose curriculum does not support a science or technology research program will differ from the information needs of a major research institution. Likewise, periodical usage will also differ with the two types of libraries. This investigation examines the patterns of periodical usage identified…

Describes the development of an electronic text center in the Cornell University (New York) library. Discusses effects of spanning traditionally separate areas of the library, such as collection development, reference and instruction, information technology and support, and stack maintenance; staff skills needed; and the importance of…

Describes the development of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) library information network which provides NRL scientists with access to CD-ROM databases, electronic journals, software applications, the Internet, and the library's online catalog. Implementation phases, system research and development, CD-ROM networking feasibility analysis,…

Highlights problems facing academic and research libraries in Ghana in providing scientific and technical information. Challenges include poor collections and inadequate funding. Topics include library cooperation, training in interlibrary lending and document delivery in the United Kingdom and in Denmark, and the need for CD-ROM databases and…

Why does an academic research library, emphasizing bioscience topics, decide to alter access to periodical literature relevant to that subject? This paper discusses how and why a change was made, resulting in access to articles via compact disc (CD-ROM) and not current hard copy issues received on subscription. Issue use and cost are primary…