InfoQUEST is a microcomputer-based online public access catalog, designed for the small library handling file sizes up to 25,000 records. Based on the IBM-PC, or compatible machines, the system will accept downloading, in batch mode, of records from the library's file on the UTLAS Catalog Support System. (Author/EJS)

Discusses the shortcomings of present online catalogs and some concepts and implementations for hypercatalogs. A prototype for a hypertext-based library catalog, HyperKGB, is described and its design principles and functionality are outlined. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the traditional alphabetical arrangement of library card catalogs and suggests this order should be reconsidered in online catalogs. Online searching in library catalogs is described; the ordering of records in online catalogs is examined; and filtering is considered as a method to order retrieved sets of bibliographic records. (Contains…

This report describes a computer-monitoring study of users of the Ohio State University Libraries' online catalog, an established and heavily used information retrieval system. Designed for end users, online library catalogs require little or no formal training, and often replace an existing manual system. Data were gathered unobtrusively by…

Reviews the characteristics of the Cheshire II system that is being used to implement full-text and fielded searching of bibliographic information for the University of California Berkeley Digital Library Initiative. Examines its performance when applied to a collection of large full-text documents in the TREC Interactive Retrieval Track and its…

Examines some of the incentives behind cataloging on the Internet. Discusses the Dublin Core metadata elements set which attempts to apply traditional cataloging practices to new technologies. Looks at the practicalities of such a system, including three obvious benefits to mapping Dublin Core elements to MARC fields. (AEF)

Examines three aspects of keyword searching as a possible solution to subject search problems in online public access catalogs (OPACs). Discusses search results, user satisfaction, and how keyword searching and controlled vocabulary searching are offered in OPAC interfaces. Concludes that keyword searching and controlled vocabulary searching…

Describes an online public access catalog for children, called the Kid's Catalog. Design objectives include eliminating the barriers to information retrieval outlined in the research literature; being fun, interactive, and respectful of children's intelligence and creativity; motivating children with an expansive range of subjects and search…

Online public access catalogs from 67 libraries using NOTIS software were searched using Internet connections to determine the positional operators selected as the default keyword operator on each catalog. Results indicate the lack of a processing standard for keyword searches. Five tables provide information. (Author/AEF)

Reviews literature about cataloging large microform sets. Subjects include: determination of location by remote users of online catalogs, guidelines for prioritizing cataloging of unanalyzed and underused microform collections, catalog versus finding aid, and catalog credibility. (JKP)

Explores the influence of several search task characteristics on children's success in finding science materials on an automated library catalog. Findings suggest that the complexity of the search task and the level of children's science domain knowledge affect their success in identifying books on assigned science topics. (Author/AEF)

Internet cataloging facilitates access and adds value to Internet resources by helping the user find needed resources with relative ease and in a timely manner. It attests to the value of traditional library principles of organizing information and the value of catalog librarians' experience and skills. This paper explores the suitability and…

The availability of appropriate software for library applications is a continuing problem, and this directory is designed to reduce the frustration of librarians in their search for library software for a microcomputer by providing profiles of software packages designed specifically for libraries. Each profile describes the purpose of the program,…

The Bibliographic Service Development Program of the Council on Library Resources convened a meeting of experts in March 1984 to consider the advisability of applying standards in the development and operation of online public access catalog systems in libraries. Following presentations from three invited participants, working groups were formed…

Traditional methods of studying and evaluating use of online public access catalogs (OPACs) are discussed and compared to verbal protocol method (spoken records of people describing their work that uncover detailed data about thinking during problem solving). Results of Carnegie-Mellon University protocol study of OPAC users are discussed. (22…