Reviews two software products--INSTANTCOM and PC WRITE--that work well in tandem and possess the following capabilities: make logon easy and memory-independent; allow prewritten search statements to be uploaded; allow downloading of results; permit easy editing and other data management options. Examples done on the IBM PC/AT are provided. (EJS)

This review of public domain software (written by individuals who release programs for free copying and distribution) focuses on disk utility programs which deal with the manipulation of files on disks (finding, moving, changing, viewing, organizing, storing). Sources for identifying programs and three addresses for software distribution are…

Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

Reviews Fast Interlibrary Loans and Statistics (FILLS), a library-specific microcomputer software package designed to enable processing of interlibrary loans in less than 50 percent of manual time. Examples of American Library Association Interlibrary Loan Form, outstanding loan report, periodical requests report, library reports (requests,…

Review of computer software offering text editing/processing capabilities highlights work habits, elements of computer style and composition, buffers, the CRT, line- and screen-oriented text editors, video attributes, "swapping,""cache" memory, "disk emulators," text editing versus text processing, and UNIX operating…

Describes the costs, programing languages, limitations, and capabilities of micro, mini, and mainframe computers, as well as specific computer projects and storage techniques, including disks, floppies, and videodiscs. Also discussed are links, networks, and computer features for libraries. A glossary and 22 references are provided. (RBF)

The OnTyme electronic mail service made available to library and information community by CLASS (a cooperative library services agency) is discussed as example of computer-based message system. Use of system by Dynamic Services to support internal and external communications needs and receive orders is highlighted. Examples of online sessions are…

Describes use of a database management system (dBASE II, produced by Ashton-Tate), noting best features and disadvantages. Highlights include data entry, multiple access points available, training requirements, use of dBASE for a bibliographic application, auxiliary software, and dBASE updates. Sample searches, auxiliary programs, and requirements…

Describes method of generating Electronic Yellow Pages mailing labels using DIALOG commands which involve downloading to disk and interposing a BASIC language program between disk and printer. Downloading problems (accession numbers, "tic" which DIALOG provides, line noise), two versions of program (full, compressed), and output examples…

This first in a series of articles outlines general requirements (flexibility, compatibility and control, response time and volume, searching, data entry); functional requirements (acquisitions, circulation, departmental subscriptions, internal and external reports, interlibrary loan, journals/serials, codes, patron); and use of the data…

Examines features of consumer online services (CompuServe, Source, Apple) highlighting electronic mail, job listing, news and "tip" information, financial services, programing, citizen band simulation, online encyclopedia, costs, Gamemaster (a game system in Evanston, Illinois), electronic bulletin boards, and communications software…

Describes serials management at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science library via a microcomputer, a file manager called PFS, and a relational database management system called dBase II. Check-in procedures, programing with dBase II, "static" and "active" databases, and claim procedures are discussed. Check-in forms are…

Outlines the characteristics of TRAINER, a computer-based system designed to aid individuals in learning and practicing the search skills needed in using online bibliographic retrieval services. (FM)

Describes method of keeping track of search service and database changes through use of database information files stored on microcomputer in use at Computer Search Service, State University of New York Albany. System configuration, file structure, data input forms, system reports, database fact sheets, and search service brochure are highlighted.…

Describes a system for identifying and retrieving relevant citations on a monthly basis which can be accomplished with any microcomputer and printer possessing capability of telecommunication and downloading. Procedures for comprehensive search, downloading, formatting of information for printing, printing file cards and abstracts, and…