Presents an overview of the 1990 census and its many components, including sources of census data, format availability such as CD-ROM and databases, and ways in which census data are used. The effect of new technology, especially CD-ROM, on users and reference librarians is considered. (Author/LRW)

This manual provides detailed instructions for using SilverPlatter software to search the ERIC CD ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a large bibliographic database relating to education which contains reference information on numerous journal articles from over 750 journals cited in the "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE),…

Outlines considerations in the design of a Competitive Intelligence Information Resource Center (CIIRC), which is needed by business organizations for effective strategic decision making. Discussed are user needs, user participation, information sources, technology and interface design, operational characteristics, and planning for implementation.…

Discussion of electronic access to information focuses on a study conducted at the library of the College of William and Mary that used 40 reference desk questions to assess the value of printed sources, CD-ROMs, databases, and the World Wide Web. Also discusses the reference librarian as omnipaedia. (LRW)

For the past two decades the central Information Retrieval Services of the Max Planck Society has been providing database searches for scientists in Max Planck Institutes and Research Groups throughout Germany. As a supplement to traditional search services offered by professional intermediaries, they have recently fostered the introduction of a…