Discusses major features and capabilities of gateway software--microcomputer software packages that act as interfaces between users and bibliographic retrieval systems they are searching--i.e., communication, interface, auxiliary programs. Four programs (In-Search, Universal Online Searcher, Search Helper, microDisclosure) are reviewed and…

Evaluates four map products currently available on CD-ROM in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, software, product content, documentation, cost, and instructional materials. Conclusions about the current status of maps on CD-ROM are offered and the desired characteristics for a perfect CD-ROM mapping product are identified. An…

Review of the literature on international computerized indexing systems for visual materials also describes technologies available for reproducing images, highlighting videotex, videodisk, and digital storage. Advances in the ability to interface these technologies with each other and with online retrieval systems are discussed. (76 notes with…

Reports on tests evaluating nine microcomputer software packages designed for information storage and retrieval: BRS-Search, dtSearch, InfoBank, Micro-OPC, Q&A, STN-PFS, Strix, TINman, and ZYindex. Tables and narrative evaluations detail results related to security, hardware, user features, search capability, indexing, input, maintenance of files,…

Reports on a continuing project to study children's use of the Science Library Catalog (SLC), a graphically based direct manipulation microcomputer interface for locating science materials in elementary school libraries. Search success on SLC, which uses HyperCard, is compared with a Boolean system; effects of age and gender are studied; and user…