A study was conducted of the users of the Indiana University PROBE computer retrieval program using the Resources in Education ERIC data base. The critical incident survey identified the PROBE user characteristics, needs, and satisfaction. (Author)

The cataloging data bases, Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) and Blackwell North America (B/NA) are compared. While OCLC provides cataloging for a larger percentage of titles, the B/NA data base is very valuable. B/NA is less expensive to use and has comparable peripheral services. (Author/AP)

An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

Describes the experience of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries with computerized searches. (PF)

The article discusses some of the problems of introducing machine-readable data bases into the library service environment. Authors describe diverse approaches used in making tapes of the 1970 Census of Population and Housing available to users through the library. (JB)

Findings of a longitudinal study indicate high success rates for OCLC as a source of cataloging copy. They further suggest that holding patterns for many types of materials may be unnecessary. (Author/RAA)

This paper analyzes 27 English language published articles and monographic works which present comparisons of the online systems of OCLC and Research Libraries Group (RLIN) and discuss their effect upon library programs. A description of the literature, conflicting perceptions, and system advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. (25…

Review of research on online public access catalogs sponsored by Council on Library Resources notes the scope and method (questionnaires administered to catalog users and nonusers in 29 participating institutions) and findings and applications (including organizational setting and computer system, catalog use and satisfaction, and implications).…

Proposes a coordinated scholarly information system that would comprise a variety of independent suppliers of information. Highlights include key aspects of the system (quality control, terminals, communications, user interface, long-term planning), and various information sources (libraries, shared cataloging, information retrieval services,…

Concludes that videotape library instruction significantly increases library skills of college students for computer database searching and research paper writing. (RAA)

Proposes that methods intended to assist in information retrieval be grouped together and that the group be called "informed retrieval," a process which uses feedback from an information system to improve retrieval results. It is suggested that an integrated framework be developed that includes authority control and informed retrieval as…

Describes important techniques by which library users avoid information overload, clarifies the terminology in the information overload literature, and reviews the major findings of this literature in the context of library applications. Implications for users and librarians are discussed. (CDD)

This essay addresses issue of uniformity or consistency in application of subject headings--as distinct from consistency among headings--to books on any given topic. Discussion covers purpose of subject headings or descriptors, reliability of choices made by catalogers when assigning subject headings, and card and online catalogs. (18 references)…

Describes collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

Surveys reactions of students and faculty to the online circulation system at University of Guelph Library, Ontario. Findings concerning status of users, frequency of use, effectiveness of instructions on screen, convenience of terminal locations, type of information required by user, and general comments are noted. Four references are provided.…