A founder trustee of OCLC recounts the steps toward automation of library catalogs encountered during his career, from the use of punched cards in a circulation system to the implementation of online union catalogs. (CLB)

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

It is the purpose of this study to provide fresh insight into the nature of library problems by systematically studying the question of size in various information contexts. In the introduction, the role that size plays from the user's point of view is illustrated. In the following sections, a study of the card catalogue, the classification system…

A study subsidizing student use of online literature searching services examined how this new technology met student needs. Student search patterns and overall satisfaction with online searches were evaluated. The implications of student use of computer searches for reference services are also discussed. (Author)

This study examines the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems in a selected number of science and technology libraries chosen for their leadership reputation; it is limited to the use of online systems operated by a library staff member. Participating libraries included 12 academic, one government, and 10 research or institutional…

Heavy emphasis was placed on experiments, and interpretation of experimental results. A set of experiments was designed to yield quantitative information on how the experimental subjects used the full-text-access system, why they used it and how effective it was. A detailed report of work on this topic to date is presented. The in-depth analysis…

The Subject Access Research Project was initiated by OCLC in August 1979 to study the process of subject searching in the library catalog, with the objective of identifying features for an automated subject retrieval system which would support the present search tactics employed by library users performing manual subject searches at the library…

As part of a project which evaluated online public access catalogs (OPAC's) through analyses of library patrons' needs and perceptions, self-administered questionnaires were completed by library patrons who were OPAC users and non-users at nine academic and public libraries. Focus group interviews were conducted with OPAC users and non-users, as…

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…

This paper provides a brief comparative summary of the results of U.S. and European studies on the use of CD-ROM and other optical products in all types of libraries and information centers. In 1987 and 1988, questionnaires were distributed to academic, public, and special libraries in the United States and to libraries in 18 European countries:…

This report covers the background, scope, and findings of a multifaceted research project which focused on data collection and analysis related to online public access systems (OPAC's); the ultimate goal of this project is to improve information access through OPAC design and enhancement. To assist library decision-makers when planning for the…

The research activities of Project Intrex are directed toward the extension of man's intellectual reach by a new kind of control over access to information. Ways are sought to improve the efficiency of catalog search by utilization of interactive computing techniques, and to provide rapid access to full-text displays by utilizing microfilm storage…

Eight studies by experts in the field of information retrieval examine aspects of public use of such automated systems as online catalogs in libraries. Ward Shaw discusses "Design Principles for Public Access," outlining desirable characteristics of an information retrieval system. Allen Avner and H. George Friedman, Jr. treat problems…

The feasibility of developing cooperative arrangements for sharing exotic foreign language serial titles among the health sciences libraries of California was investigated. Preliminary circulation counts indicated that 74 percent of the 77 titles counted had circulated twice a year or less and that the health sciences libraries do maintain…

Surveying the literature of librarianship during the 1970-74 period, this review emphasizes continuing education for medical librarians. While looking at the issue of continuing education, specific areas of need selected by medical library directors are also reviewed. The primary areas covered included: automation and computer application,…