Presents an operational definition of personal information retrieval systems and describes design principles of current applications and existing systems, current trends, and research guidelines for general design principles. (4 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines strategies for marketing online searching to new users, discusses reasons why people become online searchers, and presents data on the business information market. The pricing issue and special librarians as a market segment are also considered. (EM)

Discussion of electronic resources in the humanities highlights the history and development of the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, an electronic data bank of ancient Greek literature from the classical and postclassical periods. Data entry is discussed, hardware is described, and implications for the humanities and other disciplines are suggested. (LRW)

This discussion of information technology and its impact on library operations and services emphasizes the development of microcomputer and laser optical disc technologies. Libraries' earlier responses to bibliographic utilities, online databases, and online public access catalogs are described, and future directions for library services are…

The application of computers and information science to health and human service graduate studies at St. Mary's College is described. The programs are built on a microcomputer hardware and software base and draw on national database utilities to facilitate instructor-student communication as well as access to typical library data. The program…

Discusses a pilot project by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to apply optical disk technology to the storage and retrieval of documents related to its high level waste management program. Components and features of the microcomputer-based system which provides full-text and image access to documents are described. A sample search is included.…

Describes the development and current status of a campus-wide computer network at Brown University. Topics discussed include the principles that guided network development; services available through the network; current structure of the network; and university support for the network. (CLB)

Addresses misconceptions concerning CD-ROM technology. Topics discussed include changes in CD-ROMs and possible obsolescence; high-speed wide area networks, frequency of updates, and pricing; CD-ROM databases in academic libraries; local area networks; interfaces between CD-ROM drives and computers; CD-ROM speed; uses of CD-ROM; and write-once CD…

This current overview of optical disk technology describes the evolving marketplace for optical products, the use of libraries as test sites for prototype CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory) products, CD-ROM developments, new optical technologies, and advances in magnetics. A list of some compact disk manufacturers and a glossary of terms are…

This bibliography brings together sources, through August 1991, on the National Research and Education Network (NREN) and related topics, including computer networks, databases, information technology, library automation, microcomputers, and online systems. Where possible, a brief biographical note on the author is included, and most of the…

This report of a hearing begins with an opening statement by Senator J. Bennett Johnston, Chairman of the Committee, and prepared statements from Committee members Larry E. Craig and Pete V. Domenici. The text of the bill, which provides for continued U.S. leadership in high-performance computing, is then presented, followed by additional…

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Discusses the use of microcomputers in creating national information systems in less developed countries; considers the structure and constraints of national systems; discusses bibliographic formats; and describes BABINAT, a reference format for national bibliographic databases that was developed in France for use in less developed countries. (20…

Discusses developments in information technologies, their present state of application, and their general significance for the future of archives and records management systems. The likely impact of future technological developments is considered and the need for infrastructural standards, professional cooperation, and training is emphasized.…

Discusses the use of remote communications software (RCS) with microcomputers as an inexpensive way to deliver information technologies such as CD-ROM databases to users at remote locations. Typical library applications at the University of Pennsylvania are described, potential disadvantages are presented, and an appendix lists vendors of RCS.…