The Machine Readable Collections Reading Room of the Library of Congress is described with an emphasis on the reference assistance required and how it compares with assistance required in other areas of the Library of Congress. The interaction between users and librarians is shown to be like that of bibliographic instruction. (EAM)

Describes a technique for linking searches from the PsycLIT CD-ROM database with local journal holdings in a library. Explains the step-by-step methodology of the technique and covers major advantages and drawbacks of the new technique. (Author/AEF)

A study of 1264 incidents of journal mutilation at New York University indicates no relationship between the availability of indexing and abstracting services on CD-ROM databases and mutilation. Recommends posting warnings; raising awareness; providing adequate photocopiers, change, and vendor card machines; announcing closing time; encouraging…

Discusses library resources for genealogical research, including bibliographies of family histories, guides to genealogical resources, periodicals, indexes, CD-ROM products, electronic bulletin boards, and nonprofit services. An annotated list of 13 titles for a basic collection is included. (MES)

Describes procedures used at the State University College at Buffalo library to limit CD-ROM searches to journals available in their collection. Modifications to DIALOG OnDisc databases are explained, the limitation of online database searches to local holdings is discussed, and user needs and user satisfaction are considered. (LRW)

The development of CD-ROM following early computers and powerful personal computers will affect information retrieval by its accessibility and large storage capacity. Users will demand specific information and data sets from libraries, which could provide large research capacities. Librarians will act as database managers, thus enhancing their…

Describes the British Library's Document Supply Centre and explains INSIDE, a service that provides remote digital access to the collections of the British Library. Topics include the database, searching methods including CD-ROMs and World Wide Web access, ordering facilities, and future plans. (LRW)

Develops the argument that academic research libraries should use their materials budget to provide access to materials in all formats, including machine readable information in both locally available systems and commercially owned remote online databases. (CLB)

With more than 38,000 references to journal articles, books, book chapters, and reports on Mexican Americans, the Chicano database offers the most comprehensive access to information on one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. It is a model for other ethnic CD-ROM projects. (SLD)

Examines issues related to CD-ROM collections in libraries, including CD-ROMs versus the Internet and other online sources; types of CD-ROMS, including periodical databases, reference databases, and multimedia CD-ROMs; local area networks for CD-ROMs; evaluation criteria for selection; collection development; ordering; curriculum support;…

Describes a survey of academic librarians that investigated issues relating to CD-ROM indexes, including print index cancellations; cost versus other factors in cancellations; database vendors' charging structure; CD-ROM durability; student preference for CD-ROM over print; and effective use without librarian assistance. (22 references) (LRW)

The six papers in this collection address as many different topics. In "Circulation Desk Staff Amiability and Patron Satisfaction," Laureen Cardon and Nathan M. Smith describe a study at Brigham Young University which demonstrated that interpersonal relations training for circulation desk staff could improve patron satisfaction. Anna L.…

The Eighteenth Century Short Title Catalogue (ESTC) on compact disc provides access to nearly 300,000 printed materials from Britain and the British colonies from 1701 to 1800. The file contains a wide variety of materials (laws, almanacs, posters, catalogs, directories, verses, monographs, advertisements, and flyers) in all languages, and covers…

Describes the Databases in Schools conferences for 1989, 1990, and 1991, which addressed instruction for and use of CD-ROM and online databases in elementary and secondary school libraries. Highlights include restructured school library media collections, including electronic access and library systems and networks; the need for adequate…

The evolution of scholarly publishing is a good illustration of recent changes in technology. Many organizations are developing and operating electronic publishing systems that will change the way scholars, scientists, and technical professionals access information. Scholars obtain access to periodical literature in their fields through journal…