Discusses sources of scholarly information including libraries (focusing on shared cataloging and information retrieval systems), nonbook materials, data archives, and commercial databases. Also discusses computing information and integration, the latter considering quality control, terminals, communications, user interfaces, and long-term…

Tests the value of establishing a library video reference service via cable television. (MF)

User needs studies often present figures indicating that documentation services systems which rely on the mails are inherently incapable of effectively supporting more than half of all research and development tasks. In addition to investigating faster ways of transmitting information, DDC has also been developing and testing systems based on…

Use of online information services is currently widespread in public, academic, government, and corporate libraries and information centers. The trend is for smaller libraries of all varieties to install terminals and obtain passwords, while larger libraries add systems of all types. Even in the face of a severe recession, online growth rates have…

The results of a survey of machine-readable data bases in Wisconsin are reported. Fifty-eight data bases accessed by Wisconsin libraries are listed alphabetically. Included in the descriptions are the name of the data base, its subject coverage, its availability, the year it began, the frequency of update, the current size of the file, the name of…

This document is one of a series describing the background, functions, and utilization of the Regional Information System (RIS) developed by the Michigan-Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory (MOREL). The continuing history of the field of librarianship and information services is reviewed in this report. The first part covers ancient times to the…

Describes an experiment which compares two methods of charging users for online searches; first, a time-based charge; and second, a two-part fee determined by connect time and citations printed. The results are analyzed in terms of patterns of user activity under both systems. (CLB)

This collection of ten conference reports begins with "Historical Impact of Computers on the Operation of Libraries and Information Systems: A Personal Perspective" and is followed by "Tips on Computer Software: Advantages and Methods of Program Dissemination" and "BLOCS--A Unique Multi-Dimensional Approach to On-Line Circulation". Next, libraries…

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

User experiments are the main theme of this tenth issue in the series of Project Intrex semiannual activity reports. This system is undergoing tests with users who are motivated by their need for information rather than an interest in the machinery by which it is stored, retrieved and presented. Test results will indicate which fields in the…

Investigates Kuhlthau's Search Process Model for information seeking using two Freshmen English classes. Data showed that students followed the six stages Kuhlthau proposed and suggest extensions to the model, including changing the order of the tasks, iterating and combining steps, and revising search goals based on social and interpersonal…

A survey of urban agencies sought to discover: 1) their perceived and actual information needs; 2) the kinds of information they used; 3) the nature of their information problems; and 4) their attitudes toward and the feasibility of a computerized information retrieval system. Results showed that speed and ease of use were the controlling factors…

THIS VOLUME PRESENTS THE RESULTS OF A NINE-MONTH TEST OF A PROTOTYPE SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI) SYSTEM DEVELOPED FOR THE ARMY TECHNICAL LIBRARIES. DURING THE PILOT TEST ONE THOUSAND DOCUMENTS WERE CATALOGED, INDEXED, AND DISSEMINATED TO TWENTY-FIVE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL. MATCHING OF THE INTEREST PROFILES OF THESE…

A total of 901 printed materials of several varieties--including books, papers, journal articles, conference reports and other documents--are listed. The majority of the works cited were published within the last few years, but some older materials are included; the collection as a whole is intended for librarians, information specialists, and…

Over 1,250 users of 10 major on-line bibliographic information retrieval services were surveyed to assess the impact of such services on the library and information science community and its user community. The major topics considered in analyzing responses were: (1) respondent backgrounds; (2) methods of acquiring and promoting on-line services;…