Issues having a possible impact on online search services in libraries are discussed including full text databases, front-end processors which translate user's input into the command language of an appropriate system, downloading to create personal files from commercial databases, and pricing. (EJS)

The purpose of this Manual is to provide the detailed information needed by users of the Cataloging Data Search and Print Service for day-to-day operation. It contains: (1) introduction and background information, (2) availability and initiating procedures, (3) instructions for filling out the cataloging data request form, (4) keypunch…

History, development, evaluation, and problems of computerized biomedical information systems, with emphasis on the National Library of Medicine and MEDLARS. (LS)

Eight public libraries participated in a two-year experiment to investigate the potential of the public library as a "linking agent" between the public and the many machine-readable data bases currently accessible using on line computer terminals. The investigation covered users of the service, impact on the library, conditions for…

Discusses institution of public access microcomputers in Adult Continuing Education Department of Forsyth County Public Library, noting three goals and how they are being met--computer literacy, information/instruction, and development of a local educational opportunity database. A list of books and magazines used in the computer center is…

Discusses use of microcomputer at Chicago Public Library to generate a "subject guide" wall chart of 549 frequently requested subjects with corresponding Library of Congress and Dewey classification numbers. Background of the project, computer software used, field testing, cost, and errors are noted. A copy of the chart is appended. (EJS)

Preliminary description of design of electronic library and home information delivery system highlights potentials of personal computer interface program (applying for service, assuring that users are valid, checking for measures, searching, locating titles) and incorporation of concepts used in other information systems (security checks,…

The Library Education Experimental Project (LEEP) involved the establishment of a computer-based laboratory for library science students, utilizing the Library of Congress MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) magnetic tapes. Assignments in several classes (reference and bibliography, cataloging, and technical services) involved the use of these…

Focuses on the centralized, online, shared-cataloging facility of the Australian Bibliographic Network operated by the National Library of Australia. Existing automated library systems in Australia, selection and implementation of Washington Library Network software, comparison of Australian and U.S. automation, and projections for future…

DIALOG, an interactive, computer-based information retrieval language, consists of a series of computer programs designed to make use of direct access memory devices in order to provide the user with a rapid means of identifying records within a specific memory bank. Using the system, a library user can be provided access to sixteen distinct 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;…

In November of 1975, a committee was convened at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory to examine the utility of computerized data base searching in the public library setting. Participants reviewed an on-going computer retrieval experiment (DIALIB) being conducted in four San Francisco Bay Area public libraries. Librarians reported that since…

The DIALIB Project was a 3-year experiment that investigated the potential of the public library as a "linking agent" between the public and the many machine-readable data bases currently accessible via the telephone using online terminals. The study investigated the following questions: (1) Is online search of use to the patrons of a…

This is the final report of the evaluation of the DIALIB project--an investigation of the public library as a linking agent to major scientific, educational, social, and environmental data bases. The report is presented in seven sections and four appendices as follows: Section I provides an introduction to the study and a brief summary of the…