An online system designed to help global environmental research, the electronic research system called Eco-Link draws data from various electronic sources including online catalogs and databases, CD-ROMs, electronic news sources, and electronic data subscription services to produce briefing booklets on environmental issues. It can be accessed by…

Discussion of downloading from online public access catalogs focuses on downloading to MS-DOS microcomputers from the INNOPAC online catalog system. Tools for capturing and postprocessing downloaded files are described, technical and institutional constraints on downloading are addressed, and an innovative program for overcoming such constraints…

This discussion of information technology and its impact on library operations and services emphasizes the development of microcomputer and laser optical disc technologies. Libraries' earlier responses to bibliographic utilities, online databases, and online public access catalogs are described, and future directions for library services are…

Discusses some problems in accessing the microform collection of the Research Libraries of the New York Public Library using the library's printed and online catalogs. Creation of an in-house automated microforms database is described, including software, selection and downloading of records, updating, and searching the database. (MES)

Describes the design and development of the Mercury Electronic Library Project at Carnegie Mellon University that resulted in a library information system that provides access to the library's online catalog as well as to other databases. The distributed architecture of the system is explained, and future plans are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Human-computer interface design concepts are used as the criteria for evaluating the benefits and shortcomings of San Diego State University Library's online catalog, INNOPAC (the PAC). Features discussed include integrated files, search capabilities, system availability, user interface, record-to-record links, boolean operations, subject access,…

Notebook computers of increasing power and portability offer unique advantages to library users. Connecting easily to a campus data network, they are small silent work stations capable of drawing information from a variety of sources. Designers of new library buildings may assume that users in growing numbers will carry these multipurpose…

Discusses user satisfaction with remote access to online catalogs, categorizes the types of assistance remote users require, and considers the library's responsibility to these invisible users. An outline of suggestions for improving service to remote users is provided. (CLB)

Describes a HyperCard program developed at the University of Denver library to provide computer-assisted reference service for business information as well as instructions for using the online catalog and a database of journal articles. Examples of menu screens are included, and usage of the program is examined. (five references) (LRW)

This discussion of the availability of information sources and resources to students in higher education and continuing education argues that extension education and distance education will become increasingly prevalent because people change jobs more frequently and require additional skills and knowledge for those jobs. Many institutions assume…

Discusses and compares the incorporation of technology by larger public libraries in Canada and the United States. Technology mentioned includes online public access catalogs; remote and local online database searching; microcomputers and software for public use; and fax, voice mail, and Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf and Teletype writer…

Describes the implementation of BRS/Search in the Library and Information Services department of the Chem Systems Group, an international consulting organization in the United Kingdom. The use of integrated systems in special libraries is discussed, and requirements of the new system are explained, including full text capabilities and networking…

Three articles discuss the second online library system at the University of Hawaii at Manoa--the CARL (Colorado Alliance for Research Libraries) System. Topics addressed include an overview of the system; development of a Windows-based CARL cataloging workstation; and incorporating digitized images in the online public access catalog. (EA)

Describes study of seven local education authorities in the United Kingdom which was conducted to discover how models of microcomputer use were being adopted by school libraries. Highlights include database information retrieval; computerized catalogs; improving students' information-handling skills; curriculum-centered plans; integrated systems;…

This book outlines computing and information science from the perspective of what librarians and educators need to do with computer technology and how it can help them perform their jobs more efficiently. It provides practical explanations and library applications for non-technical users of desktop computers and other library automation tools.…