An experiment in manipulating machine-readable library records for use in subject searching indicated that such programs would be useful to extend service outside a single library location. (Author/PF)

Discusses the use of pathfinders, i.e., bibliographic tools designed to assist patrons in locating published information in specific fields by themselves. Use of pathfinders as teaching tools and special suggestions for their development by public libraries are noted. A pathfinder on personal financial management is included. (EJS)

Analyzes the search process, isolating the pertinent elements that make up a search and identifying the many decision points in the process. (Author/PF)

No one source for locating government documents on a given subject exists. Librarians responding to a questionnaire indicated dissatisfaction with even the most used source, the Monthly Catalog''. Subject retrieval, other sources, and suggestions from librarians are discussed. (5 references) (DH)

A solution is offered to the problem of adequately cataloging a pamphlet file without increasing staff workload. A system is described in which material is classified by broad subject headings, themselves arranged alphabetically. This had an additional advantage in that valuable material which does not in itself merit full cataloging can be…

Precoordination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), in both the LCSH thesaurus and online public access catalog (OPAC) browse displays, continues to be necessary for several reasons: (1) the meaning of thousands of LCSH headings depends on their word order in ways that cannot be captured by postcoordinate Boolean combinations or by…

Identifies factors that reduce the effectiveness of computers as intermediaries and discusses possible negative effects on user satisfaction and the interaction between users and librarians. A set of guidelines for the improvement of online catalogs, based on user needs and abilities, is presented. (41 references) (CLB)

This study examined the use and perceived importance of the Internet among students and faculty in the Netherlands through questionnaires and focus-group interviews. Highlights include electronic journals, learning to use the Internet, search engines, needed library support, and problems with subject searching. A copy of the questionnaire is…

Reviews recent literature on the use of technology in libraries by children and young adults. Highlights include the effectiveness of interactive information retrieval systems; children's use of card catalogs versus online catalogs; skills needed for success in using library catalogs; children's abilities to formulate searchable queries; and the…