Smart librarians have always valued their relationships with users and other librarians. The creative force of those relationships is empowered via Web-based social networking, collaboration, and sharing. At Stony Brook University Health Sciences Library in New York, students, faculty, clinicians, and residents expect the latest refinements in…

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…

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…

Describes the development of a prototype Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS) at the University of Houston library which integrated a CD-ROM local area network (LAN) and expert system technologies. Evaluations of the CD-ROM LAN performance and user reactions are reported, and possible future developments are discussed. (13 references)…

Describes the components--hardware, software and applications, CD-ROM and online reference resources, and telecommunications links--of an electronic library workstation in use at Clarkson University (Potsdam, New York). Data manipulation, a hypothetical research scenario, and recommended workstation capabilities are also discussed. (MES)

Presents a study of Archimedes as a HyperCard reference tool at the University of Michigan, and compares uses to similar projects. Results from studied points (i.e., system design and use statistics) support Archimedes: the system sees more use during reference hours when a librarian is unavailable, and user time is comparable to time spent with a…

Abstracts of 14 papers presented at the conference are provided here. Titles are: "Electronic Information Terraforming: Designing and Implementing a Front-end System Using World-Wide Web Technology" (Abbie Basile; And Others); "Characteristics of Generation X and Implications for Reference and Instructional Services" (Catherine…

This paper identifies and describes the categories of electronic publications (EPs) in a document-based communication and information system called JIMMY, developed by Queen Margaret College (Edinburgh, Scotland) for use by students and staff in general arts and paramedical courses. The use of computer-mediated communication systems like bulletin…

Describes a project at Stanford University Library that was initiated to enhance user access to government documents collections by developing a prototype natural language computer-based aid. The development of an expert system, Government Documents Reference Aid (GDRA), is explained, and the application of expert systems in libraries is…

Provides an overview of the IRIS (Intelligent Reference Information System) project at the University of Houston (Texas) libraries; describes CD-ROM database performance tests, user reactions to the CD-ROM network, and a survey of users of an expert system to recommend reference sources; and reports on current activities and future plans.…

This book contains 37 papers on computer use in higher education originally presented at a May, 1992, conference of college and university computer users. Most of the papers describe programs or systems implemented at particular institutions and cover the following: systems for career planning, automating purchasing and financial commitments,…