Includes three articles that debate whether interlibrary loan (ILL) is the best way to get public library patrons what they need. Highlights include return on investment; funding; alternatives to ILL, including purchase on demand and online full-text databases; cost effectiveness; and the advantages of patron-initiated ILL through interconnected…

A heterogeneous distributed database systems (HDDS) offers distance education networks feasible, simple, cost-effective, and efficient database access systems. An HDDS can be used to provide information on available courses, course design, registration procedures, hardware and software use and availability, and library resources. (Author/AEF)

Describes a study at the California State University at Chico library that was conducted to determine the success of the ERIC database on CD-ROM as a retrieval tool. The results of user interviews are summarized, surveys of reference librarians are reviewed, and cost considerations are examined. (three references) (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at Illinois State University that compared the results achieved by library users searching the ERIC database on CD-ROM with the results achieved by individual and teamed skilled intermediaries. Evaluation of library services is discussed, patron search strategies are examined, and strategies for improving patron…

The Commission on Preservation and Access was established to foster and support collaboration among libraries and allied organizations in order to ensure the preservation of the published and documentary records in all formats and to provide enhanced access to scholarly information. The Commission's newsletter keeps preservation and access…

This report on a machine-readable data files workshop highlights unresolved issues related to innovative approaches to collecting, describing, and providing service for computer files in research libraries. The remarks of four of the workshop speakers are presented. Margaret Johnson of the University of Minnesota gives a comprehensive review of…

This guide is designed to acquaint students of the University of Missouri-Columbia with the facilities and resources of the Ellis Library, and is intended for students enrolled in Library Science 105: Library Skills. The guide is organized into sections dealing with search strategies and types of library materials. It opens with an orientation to…

This updated manual is intended to provide users with complete descriptions of the databases available for database searches, as well as full details of procedures for submitting search requests to the New York State Library. Two major changes in services scheduled to begin on January 1, 1985, are noted in a brief introduction. Sections cover…

This planning proposal recommends that Memphis State University Libraries make information on CD-ROM (compact disc--read only memory) available in the Reference Department by establishing an Information Retrieval Center (IRC). Following a brief introduction and statement of purpose, the library's databases, users, staffing, facilities, and…

Through active user participation, Washington State University Education Library was able to provide ERIC computer searching services to students, faculty, and community members with no additional library staff. Specialized training for the two librarians, as well as rental of a terminal for the library, resulted in over 100 searches in 1974-5.…

A selective dissemination service (SRIM) of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) features semimonthly dissemination of microfiche copies of documents newly added to the NTIS collection, on the basis of interest profiles. The service was used to test a university subsystem wherein a number of individual profiles were combined and…

This document is one of a series describing the background, functions, and utilization of the Regional Information System (RIS), developed by the Michigan-Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory (MOREL). RIS, which was developed to improve the accessibility of information for the educational practitioner, is described in this handbook. The handbook…

Describes introduction of online information retrieval to high school seniors in a public school system. Highlights include background (hardware and software selection, choice of information utility, instructional objectives); database use; meeting curriculum needs; problems with print sources; online solutions; search strategies; requests for…

Recent trends in the pricing of online database systems are described and their impact on searcher behavior and satisfaction is discussed. A design is proposed for a major research project that would use data gathered by the Information Market Indicators to assess the feasibility of a price-based solution. (CLB)

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)