Describes the development of California Institute of Technology Libraries' local database of articles from science and engineering journals and its integrated document request and delivery feature. It is noted that not all journals received by the libraries are in the database, backfiles are limited, and coverage is not comprehensive. (five…

This paper contains the grant proposal and final report for a project conducted by the California State University at Northridge library to demonstrate online database searching and introduce the use of bibliographic management software to faculty and graduate students. Day-long, discipline-oriented seminars were planned to increase the…

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

This paper describes the techniques for implementing a full-screen, custom SPIRES interface for a public-use library database. The database-independent protocol that controls the system is described in detail. Source code for an entire working application using this interface is included. The protocol, with less than 170 lines of procedural code,…

This study compares ABI/INFORM and Wilson Business Abstracts in order to determine user preference. Surveys in the form of questionnaires were used to evaluate users' preference of interface, database response time, search results and ease of use with both business CD-ROM databases. Kent State University students, faculty, and patrons interested…

A microcomputer database management system is used to create and index profiles of individual college faculty and to monitor their expertise (curricular, research, professional subject interests) and trends in university programs. The faculty profile is useful in improved referrals, collection development activities, staff orientation, and public…

The Task Force on Numeric Data in Machine-Readable Form at Rutgers University Libraries was formed in February 1991. The group was made up of librarians representing all of the Rutgers campuses and areas of library services such as public services, collection development, and technical services. The charge to the task force was to: (1) recommend…

Created at the Library of the University of California, Berkeley, by a task force on machine readable data files (MRDFs), this policy provides guidance to materials selectors in acquiring MRDFs through purchase, gift, lease, network, or other cooperative arrangements. The guidelines offer a collection development framework and identify problems to…

Describes three projects that illustrate the range of activities in which Cornell University's Mann Library technical services staff participate, including developing an organizational framework for numeric and full-text databases and bibliographic information for electronic resources. Sidebar articles describe the staff's computer workstations…

This paper describes in depth the development, use, and capabilities of a microcomputer-based bibliographic system established for the International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hardware, software and outputs, and features of the INMAGIC database (adding records, searching,…

Describes a local automated bilingual circulation system using personal computers in a local area network that was developed at King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia) for Arabic and English materials. Topics addressed include the system structure, hardware, major features, storage requirements, and costs. (nine references) (LRW)

Describes a 1975 project conducted by the Oregon State University (OSU) library with online vendors to identify problems in obtaining data directly in machine readable form. Producer views on data reuse, data users' reactions, and suggested solutions to legal and procedural problems are discussed. Provided are 15 references. (RBF)

Discussion of technostress in libraries focuses on a database crash at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Steps taken to restore the data are explained, strategies for handling technological accidents are suggested, the impact on library staff is discussed, and a 10-item annotated bibliography on technostress is provided.…

Description of use of Search Helper--a newly developed, user-friendly software package designed to enable a microcomputer to be used in searching Information Access Company databases on Dialog bibliographic retrieval service--at California State University--Long Beach (CSULB). Highlights six databases available, necessary hardware, and reference…

Describes the dual service philosophy at McGoogan Library, University of Nebraska Medical Center, which includes fee-based online search services and free use of online databases for reference purposes. The position of the American Library Association, viewpoints from the field, and record-keeping and accounting procedures are reviewed. Seven…