Describes the release of the British Education Index on CD-ROM, summarizing the deliberations leading to the conjunction of the Australian, British, and Canadian education index databases on the International ERIC CD-ROM. Considers the impact of CD-ROM availability on traditional print media and how it may affect the future development of the…

In 1996, the Czech National Library started a large-scale digitization of its extensive and invaluable collection of historical manuscripts and printed books. Each page of the selected documents is scanned using a high-resolution, full-color digital camera, processed, and archived on a CD-ROM disk. HTML coded description is added to the entire…

Details the development of the FISHLIT bibliographic database at the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology Library at Rhodes University (South Africa), and the subsequent CD-ROM publication of the database by NISC (National Information Services Corporation). Discusses the advantages of CD-ROM publication, costs and information service provision,…

Discusses information development in Portugal since the early 1980s. Topics include public libraries; the national bibliographic database; training; software; access to online databases; CD-ROMs; and Portuguese participation in information projects of the European Community. (AEF)

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)

Nigeria is faced with developmental problems, most of which can be solved with the aid of scientific and technological information contained in books, journals and patents, largely obtainable from the advanced countries. There are academic and research institutions generating information that could enhance the economic development of the country…

Information retrieval on the World Wide Web has a major obstacle: although data is abundant, it is unlabeled and randomly indexed. This paper discusses the implementation of a consultative Web search engine that minimizes the expertise level that is required from a user to accomplish an advanced search session. The system takes advantage of the…

For the past two decades the central Information Retrieval Services of the Max Planck Society has been providing database searches for scientists in Max Planck Institutes and Research Groups throughout Germany. As a supplement to traditional search services offered by professional intermediaries, they have recently fostered the introduction of a…

Discusses the current state of information systems and services in Africa, examines future possibilities, and suggests areas for improvement. Topics include the lack of automation; CD-ROM databases for accessibility to information sources; developing low-cost electronic communication facilities; Internet connectivity; dependence on imported…

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)

This paper presents findings of an exploratory study undertaken at Marist Sisters' College in Woolwich, Sydney (Australia) to examine student use of multimedia software packages. Students (n=70) in years 7-12 were randomly selected to complete an evaluation of a popular multimedia package, "Encarta," on the following factors: ease of…

This proceedings includes the following papers presented at the 16th International Essen Symposium: "Electronic Resource Sharing: It May Seem Obvious, But It's Not as Simple as it Looks" (Herbert S. White); "Resource Sharing through OCLC: A Comprehensive Approach" (Janet Mitchell); "The Business Information Network:…

School use of PRESTEL, CAMPUS 2000, NERIS, and ECCTIS is discussed, and the implications of these online services and CD-ROM products are considered. A report is given on the CHIRP project (Computer Hotline for Information Re-Packaging), which is designed to teach information skills in a way that is relevant and motivates pupils. (21 references)…

Discussion of the use of technology in Australian schools to improve information access and educational outcomes focuses on the impact on school library resource centers. Topics discussed include online information services; electronic bulletin boards; electronic mail via microcomputers; and optical storage media, including CD-ROM, hypermedia, and…

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…