Describes an evaluative project in which a prototype bibliographic database on optical data disk was installed in six developing country libraries and a Canadian library. The results of the project are discussed in terms of user satisfaction and cost effectiveness, and recommendations are made to donor agencies, information providers, and…

Describes the microcomputer-based online search services provided by the library of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Topics addressed include databases used; users; searcher characteristics; computer printouts; costs and user fees; interlibrary loans; and CD-ROMs. (four references) (LRW)

Describes use studies of CD-ROM products in American and western European academic, public, and special libraries. Comparative results of the surveys are reported, including effect of CD-ROMs on library use of online databases, difficulties with different vendors' search techniques, and desired subjects of optical products. (10 references) (LRW)

British and American information science textbooks present keyword and controlled vocabulary searching in different ways, and put differing emphases on the use of variant spellings and word variations. This reflects the differing ways that information professionals prepare online search strategies. Differences may reflect occupational trends,…

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM technology at the University of Bahrain highlights database searching, interlibrary loan activity, and faculty publication. Statistics show that the acquisition of CD-ROM databases is a significant factor in an increase in faculty research publication output. (14 references) (LRW)