Reprints of 20 articles pertaining to the topics of end-users and public access appear in this volume, which is one in a series of volumes of reprints from "ONLINE" and "DATABASE" magazines. Edited for information professionals who use electronically distributed databases, these articles address such topics as: (1) managing a…

Describes the use of a telecommunications program called "PC Anywhere" to afford users remote access to compact disc ready-only-memory (CD-ROM) systems. Describes hardware requirements and benefits to libraries and users. (DMM)

Saint Mary's University Academic Library (Texas) established remote access to its computer network. Discusses access issues including network protocols and support; multitasking; CD-ROMs; printing capabilities; connection methods; and keyboards. Describes choices of operating systems and software: J&L Chatterbox, bulletin board systems, and…

Describes and compares three versions of the ERIC database that are available on optical data disks: (1) DIALOG OnDisc ERIC; (2) OCLC Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter ERIC. The database contents, software and search commands, hardware requirements, notable features, and costs of each version are discussed. (CLB)

Reviews issues associated with the distribution of CD-ROMs by the Government Printing Office (GPO) as identified by documents librarians in an E-mail discussion, Govdoc-L. Titles being distributed on CD-ROM are identified, access and cost issues are discussed, software limitations are described, and level of patron service is considered. (three…

The Center for Business Information and the Goizueta Business School at Emory University (Georgia) tested desktop videoconferencing as a means to deliver reference services, including consultation, documentation, training, and sharing of CD-ROM databases. Provides a brief overview of the technology, describes project beta testing, and discusses…

In 1996, the Czech National Library started a large-scale digitization of its extensive and invaluable collection of historical manuscripts and printed books. Each page of the selected documents is scanned using a high-resolution, full-color digital camera, processed, and archived on a CD-ROM disk. HTML coded description is added to the entire…

The first of two articles on multiuser access to CD-ROM databases examines options that do not involve a local area network (LAN). Hardware and software requirements, advantages, and disadvantages for several alternatives are described. A product and company directory is included. (MES)

This paper identifies the bibliographic and numeric databases on CD-ROM and computer diskette that should be most useful for investigators in communication, marketing, and communication education. Bibliographic databases are usually found in three formats: citations only, citations and abstracts, and full-text articles. Numeric databases are…

Discusses information development in Portugal since the early 1980s. Topics include public libraries; the national bibliographic database; training; software; access to online databases; CD-ROMs; and Portuguese participation in information projects of the European Community. (AEF)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM and describes features of CD-Recordable (CD-R) technology, including disc capacity, data transfer rate, mastering, and multiple-write session. CD-R applications, application development costs, and staffing requirements are considered. (EA)

Electronic portfolios offer an alternative to grades and standardized tests because they store work compactly, accommodate a variety of media, and are easily accessible. This article examines storage methods: diskettes, Zip, Syquest, and Jaz drives; compact disk recordable (CD-R); local area networks (LAN); audio and videotapes and discusses…

Discussion of electronic information access in libraries focuses on five areas that impact quality and cost: (1) hardware, including networking, graphics, and full-text capabilities; (2) software; (3) access and utilization, including Internet and instruction and training; (4) licensing, including suggestions for publishers as well as librarians;…

Discusses the issues surrounding the selection and mounting of University Microfilms'"Periodical Abstracts" on the University of Hartford's integrated library system. Argues that increased access provided by loading tapes on the mainframe computer outweigh the disadvantages of poor print features and narrower scope when compared to the…

Describes one college library's experience with a gateway for dial-in access to its CD-ROM network to increase access to automated index searching for students off-campus. Hardware and software choices are discussed in terms of access, reliability, affordability, and ease of use. Installation problems are discussed, and an appendix lists product…