This study examined the contribution to retrieval effectiveness (measured by recall and precision) of adding content-bearing information such as abstracts and tables of contents to bibliographic records. It was found that the addition of content-bearing information improves overall retrieval effectiveness. Improvement was primarily in terms of…

Describes an experimental project at Carnegie Mellon University to enhance catalog records in order to improve the quality of the records and access to resources. Criteria for selecting books for enhanced cataloging and implementation of enhancement procedures are discussed. Several sample screen displays are included. (Three references) (MES)

Reports information gathered from eight vendors on the preparation of bibliographic data for CD-ROM public access catalogs: (1) sources of bibliographic records; (2) duplicate record handling; (3) holdings and location information; (4) maintaining the database; (5) authority control; (7) record corrections; (7) extraction of subsets; (8)…

Reviews the history of the network that supports the MELVYL online union catalog, describes current technological and policy issues, and discusses the role the network plays in integrating local automation, the union catalog, access to resource databases, and other initiatives. Sidebars by Mark Needleman discuss the TCP/IP protocol suite, internet…

University Microfilms International (UMI) collects, creates, and preserves information from the fields of business, education, engineering, social science, and the popular media and makes it available in print and microform, as well as online, on CD-ROM, and on magnetic tape. The company also develops integrated information delivery systems. (KRN)

Discussion of digital library projects at Rutgers University focuses on publishing bibliographic databases on the Web to provide access to information sources not likely to be published elsewhere. Describes the reusable technology platform concept, bibliographic platform architecture, metadata approach, data entry, and managing the process.…

Discusses Oregon library automation projects, including Internet connectivity and a statewide multitype library network; a bibliographic information system with college and university libraries, including a union catalog; a Portland Area Library System that connects multitype libraries; and library staff training for the Internet. (LRW)

Explains the development of library networks in Florida and the role of the state library. Topics include regional multitype library consortia; a statewide bibliographic database; interlibrary loan; Internet access in public libraries; government information, including remote public access; automation projects; telecommunications; and free-nets.…

Discusses issues facing libraries in Australia as a result of economic factors, especially inflation. Topics include serials and other cancellations; competition among universities and the need for cooperation among libraries; national cooperative projects, including the National Bibliographic Database and interlibrary loan programs; the need for…

This overview of the use of technology in Missouri libraries describes the statewide bibliographic union database; elementary and secondary school projects using the Internet; full-text magazine database; remote electronic access; state depository program for digitizing resources; networks; electronic publishing; interlibrary loan; public and…

This overview of information technology in Pennsylvania discusses Internet access in public libraries; technology infrastructure; strategic partnerships; future possibilities; distance learning for small, rural, and/or poor school districts; an electronic communication network; a computer bulletin board for teachers; and a database for school,…