Discussion of issues surrounding the microcomputer's capability to download online search results covers types of downloading; scope of downloading; legal issues (copyright and database contract provisions and policies); and effects of downloading (widespread pricing changes, and provision of database subsets by database producers). (MBR)

Addresses uses and benefits ERIC receives from MICROsearch, a program for searching downloaded portions of the ERIC database on floppy disks. Use of MICROsearch as a reference tool and for teaching online searching is described, and its limitations and benefits to the online industry are discussed. (MBR)

Describes a menu-driven software system for searching CD-ROM databases that also unobtrusively gathers data on CD-ROM usage. The discussion covers the steps involved in creating a log file using DOS, tips for capturing user status, strategies for salvaging incomplete data, and types of CD-ROM usage analysis supported by these data. (three…

This annual update of a bibliography that was published as a supplement to the first issue of "Online Review" contains 931 references covering the approximate time period of late 1982 through early 1984. Entries are arranged by author within each of 11 sections. Permuted title and author indexes are included. (EJS)

Provides permuted title and author indexes to the 931-item seventh annual update (July 1984 issue of "Online Review") of a bibliography on online information retrieval which was published as a supplement to the first issue of "Online Review." The approximate time period of late 1982 through early 1984 is covered. (EJS)

This 910-item annual update (1984 through early 1985) covers: online systems, databases, services; man-machine studies, database creation, user interface, system design and evaluation; profile development, searching techniques, indexing; usage studies, economics, promotion, online searching services management; user training, microcomputer…

Presents results of a 1984 survey of microcomputer applications, hardware, and software utilization in the libraries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Findings--which are summarized separately for each country as well as for the group--indicate microcomputer uses are neither as sophisticated nor as varied as expected. (MBR)

Describes a survey of Australian primary and secondary schools that examined their use of electronic information systems. Topics discussed include systems and services in use, the extent of system use and acceptance, curriculum applications, perceived problems and benefits, and some of the strategies and administrative procedures connected with…

Based on data collected over a period of 3 years (1987-1989) on the utilization of telecourses for college credit instruction, this report presents the over-all state of postsecondary uses of telecourses and examines current trends. It is noted that the study is limited to telecourses used to reach distant learners, and that personal computer…

A comparison of the findings of an annual telephone survey of all 15,000 United States public school districts, which was conducted to update a computer database, with the results of the previous year's survey indicates that microcomputer use is growing very rapidly in schools. Since the first study, the number of schools using microcomputers has…

Reports on a survey on use of content-free software (i.e., word processing, desktop publishing, database management, spreadsheets, statistics, and computer-aided design) by secondary school teachers in South Wales. Data are presented on computer resources, staff training, level of awareness, and utilization by grade and subject taught. (seven…

Discusses user satisfaction with remote access to online catalogs, categorizes the types of assistance remote users require, and considers the library's responsibility to these invisible users. An outline of suggestions for improving service to remote users is provided. (CLB)

Describes a HyperCard program developed at the University of Denver library to provide computer-assisted reference service for business information as well as instructions for using the online catalog and a database of journal articles. Examples of menu screens are included, and usage of the program is examined. (five references) (LRW)

The experiences of novice users (freshman students at Ohio University) searching OCLC's FIRSTSEARCH set of databases were studied. The 13 subjects were asked to complete a search on the FIRSTSEARCH databases; and data were collected through observations, administration of a questionnaire, and a thinking-aloud protocol. Data were analyzed to…

The experience of novice users searching SilverPlatter's ERIC CD-ROM on the Macintosh was studied. Ten students from an introductory master's level course in library and information science were recruited as volunteer subjects. Subjects were asked to complete a search on the ERIC CD-ROM; and data were collected via observations, a think-aloud…