News aggregator databases offer different content and features, but there is little guidance on how these databases compare. This article compares the coverage scope, availability of 35 U.S. newspaper titles, and features of six news aggregators available to U.S. academic libraries: "Newspaper Source Plus" (EBSCO), "Factiva,"…

In his article "The McDonaldization of Academic Libraries?" Brian Quinn explores to what extent and to what effect academic libraries have become "McDonaldized," according to the concept developed by sociologist George Ritzer. Quinn identifies a number of ways in which the four dimensions of…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School Library Media Center Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools…

Evaluates the retrieval performance of an algorithm that automatically categorizes medical documents, which consists in assigning an International Code of Disease (ICD) based on well-known information retrieval techniques. Reports on experimental results that tested precision using a database of over 20,000 medical documents. (Author/LRW)

Discusses issues relating to recent introductions of CD-ROM technologies in libraries and considerations that have motivated libraries to choose networking CD-ROMs over the standalone approach. Factors discussed include cost effectiveness, the flexibility of the networking approach, and performance considerations. A glossary of terms is provided.…

Categorizes software packages for microcomputer database creation by their typical features and strengths, and discusses appropriate applications of each category. A directory of vendors for each type of software--text retrieval, file managers, database management, information storage and retrieval, integrated bibliographic systems, and library…

Traces the development of library networking over the last 20 years, and examines the current attitude toward an integrated national network. The political and economic problems of the Linked Systems Project are discussed, as well as issues relating to copyright. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article introduces GIS basic concepts, reviews GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS. Six figures illustrate the…

This last article in a series which reported results of a software evaluation project done by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) focuses on how to select appropriate software. Topics discussed include price considerations; user needs; and types and quality of information. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

The result of a two-week consultant mission to the South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) at Bogor, Indonesia, this study explored the feasibility of applying microcomputers to library and information work in the Clearing House for Information Division of BIOTROP, which has a regional responsibility for the collection,…

Reviews the development of bibliographic utilities and the approaches used by the major utilities to deal with issues of record ownership and use. The possible effects of a copyright claim registered by OCLC in 1984 on local library consortia and member libraries of OCLC affiliated networks are discussed. (35 notes/references) (CLB)

Discusses developments in information technologies, their present state of application, and their general significance for the future of archives and records management systems. The likely impact of future technological developments is considered and the need for infrastructural standards, professional cooperation, and training is emphasized.…

Describes a county library system's experience with a computerized information and referral system and highlights strengths and weaknesses of the systems. Strengths included the library maintaining control, with other agencies participating; using existing programs and databases where possible; and establishing copyright. Problems included not…

This study of periodical interlibrary loan in New Jersey focuses on access to and sharing of periodical information in the state-wide library networks and investigates the feasibility of providing online search services for such information. The three part study began with a survey of the library literature dealing with networking and an…

This paper provides an overview of a University of California (UC) study of the issues involved in creating an online directory of electronic information resources available to the university community. For the purposes of the study, electronic information resources include bibliographic and other databases available at or through UC libraries and…