In this case study the authors describe Pepperdine University Libraries' migration to OCLC's WorldShare Management Services. They elaborate on the rationale for the decision, review some of the challenges and lessons encountered along the way, and briefly discuss some effects of the new system on our libraries. The focus is on technical services…

Describes the object-oriented paradigm (modeling a system by the objects that constitute it and the class relationships between objects) and presents examples of its application to automated library systems, including a model of a hierarchical and relational bibliographic database. Advantages and disadvantages of the paradigm for information…

Reports on a survey which assessed automated authority control capabilities of 18 vendors' automated library systems, software, or services. Graphs rank vendors according to overall score, authority record source, format/storage of authority records, database dynamics, matching/linking authority and bibliographic records, syndetic structure,…

Describes the use of a highly parallel array processor for pattern matching operations in a bibliographic retrieval system. The discussion covers the hardware and software features of the processor, the pattern matching algorithm used, and the results of experimental tests of the system. (37 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes the use of the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol as the basis for Infocal, a read-only, client/server-based campus information system. Technical considerations in adapting the protocol to nonbibliographic data, including semantic modules, dynamic attribute sets, and dynamic record syntax, are described in detail. (Contains 11…

This user ratings survey focuses on bibliographic citation management software; its value to manage citation databases; and its ability to provide reports that adhere to standard bibliographic styles for publications. Service and support, reliability, ease of use, vendor integrity, and user satisfaction are discussed for each of seven software…

Based on evaluations of 1,025 CD-ROM products, this article summarizes trends in (1) growth of commercially available CD-ROM titles; (2) types and subjects of products produced; (3) update options; (4) hardware systems CD-ROMs are designed to run on; (5) prices; and (6) multimedia products. Possible future developments that could revolutionize…

Describes an evaluative project in which a prototype bibliographic database on optical data disk was installed in six developing country libraries and a Canadian library. The results of the project are discussed in terms of user satisfaction and cost effectiveness, and recommendations are made to donor agencies, information providers, and…

Describes a project which made Wilsonline and the Wilsearch software available to high school students for term paper research. Findings are discussed, including student ability to formulate search strategies, usefulness of retrieved citations, and most frequently requested databases. The value of Wilsearch is compared with that of local library…

Discussion of online bibliographic database searches focuses on a software system, SORT-AID/SABRE, that ranks retrieved citations in terms of relevance. Results of a comprehensive user evaluation of the relevance ranking procedure to determine its effectiveness are presented, and implications for future work are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

Describes a survey of library systems and software vendors that examined the sources, management, and use of authority records in their systems and the functions of an authority control module within an integrated system. Several tables and graphs offer summaries and comparisons of vendors' offerings and capabilities. The questionnaire used is…

Describes a prototype interactive science catalog for children that will have three interfaces: a subject-oriented browsing search, a search tied directly to science simulations, and an author/title/subject keyword searchable interface. Research plans include examinations of children's abilities to formulate and implement searchable queries and…