Describes a microcomputer program that serves as a front-end to an online library catalog and other information sources and provides guidance to students on searching for and evaluating information. Funding, technology, evaluation, impact on other libraries, and future plans are discussed. Sample screens are included. (Contains 75 references.)…

Discussion of recent developments in personal workstations and software that make it possible to extend the utility of library systems presents the advantages of workstations as well as technical problems and potential solutions. Development of a simple prototype workstation environment at the University of Western Ontario is described. (16…

Discusses current RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) communications technology and motivations for change. Goals, topology, hardware, software, and protocol, terminal wiring, and deployment are considered. Sidebars provide a diagram of the current RLIN communications technology and describe the integrated RLIN network. (one reference)…

Discusses the use of optical character recognition (OCR) technology to produce an ASCII text database. A tutorial on digital scanning and OCR is provided, and a systems integration project which used the Calera CDP-3000XF scanner and text retrieval software to construct a database of dissertations at George Mason University is described. (four…

Describes the range of products and services offered by VTLS, a company that offers comprehensive, integrated library automation software and customer support. VTLS's growth and development in the United States and abroad is described, and nine sidebar articles detail system features and applications in public, academic, and virtual libraries. (20…

Describes specific applications of the Macintosh computer at Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries, where MacPaint was used as a flexible, easy to use, and powerful tool to produce informational, instructional, and promotional signage. Profiles of system hardware and software, an evaluation of the computer program MacPaint, and MacPaint signage…

Describes the grant proposal process followed by the Florida State University System to develop search and retrieval software adhering to the ANSI Z39.50 standard that would operate over the Open Systems Interconnection communications protocol on the local NOTIS system. Formation of the Z39.50 Implementation Group (ZIG) is also discussed.…

Discusses topics relating to the Virginia Tech Library System: the company (VTLS, Inc.); the software; data structure; cataloging, status, and authority control; circulation; serials control and acquisitions; the online catalog; management reporting; networking; and the operating environment. Sidebars discuss the Vanilla Network; LINNEA--a network…

Discusses topics related to use of search trees to enhance subject searching in online catalogs: subject searching in existing systems; search trees defined; highlights of a study of subject queries; normalized subject headings; the exact approach to subject searching; one-word queries; multiword queries; queries failing to produce retrievals; and…

This guide to functions to consider in selecting an academic library automation system to operate in a networked environment covers (1) the current academic networking environment; (2) library automation hardware and software platforms; (3) user interface requirements for public access; and (4) security and authentication. (10 references) (MES)

Describes Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries' utilization of three software packages resident on the University's central computers: text editing, text formatting, and electronic mail. Advantages of utilizing central computing resources, introduction of and training in computing systems within libraries, specific applications, and advantages and…

The Northwestern Online Total Integrated System (NOTIS) is a comprehensive library materials management system that integrates acquisitions, serials control, cataloging, authority control, database management, circulation, and the online public catalog. All modules of the NOTIS software package access a single bibliographic record through…

Iowa State University has used Authorware extensively for its mandatory library skills class. This article focuses on Authorware features, skills and methods for learning it, and describes a process for creating a tutorial using this computer application. (Author)

Describes a demonstration project developed at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) libraries to train nonprofessional library staff with computer-based training using HyperCard that was created by librarians rather than by computer programmers. Evaluation methods are discussed, including formative and summative evaluation; and modifications…

Provides detailed instructions for setting up general purpose CD-ROM workstations using IBM compatible microcomputers and tells how to make CD-ROM disks available to the general user. Use of standardized hardware and software, utility programs, DOS batch files, a shell program, and a hypertext program at the University of Idaho Library are…