Describes a study that examined the effect of adding retrospective conversion holdings to OCLC on the number of interlibrary loan requests received, and determined the added costs or benefits of the project. Findings discussed include the impact of the library's use of OCLC and the effect of types of materials cataloged on interlibrary loan…

Describes a study that used the OCLC Online Union Catalog to identify those adult fiction books owned by the largest number of public libraries to determine whether a core collection of titles could be identified for use in evaluating adult fiction collections. Future research is recommended and a list of the top 99 titles is appended. (Author/LRW)

This study of the online catalog at a large academic library focuses on the nature of problems for which users seek librarians' assistance. Characteristics of users, types of searches, kinds of problems, the effect of prior experience with the system, and user suggestions for improving the system are examined. (10 references) (Author/MES)

Argues that reference librarians serve as consultants at the point of interaction as they educate patrons in the use of the online catalog and demonstrate their role in finding and providing information. Specific areas of consultation are discussed as is the relationship of formal instruction to point of use instruction. (10 references) (MES)

Discusses the needs of remote users of online public access catalogs (OPACs). User expectations are discussed; problems encountered by remote-access users are examined, including technical problems and searching problems; support services are described, including instruction, print guides, and online help; and differences from the needs of…

Discusses basic principles of human-computer interface design that will be helpful to librarians involved in designing effective OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) screens. Highlights include physical features; general principles; menu screens; commands; inquiry screens; messages, including help screens; and organizational considerations,…

Examines the provision of in-person help to users seeking information on online public access catalogs (OPACs). A significant change in the demand for service was identified when there was a change from offering traditional from-the-desk service to point-of-use help at the OPAC terminals. Results suggest that while it is important to continue to…

Describes a study that electronically monitored 11 public access terminals at the University of Colorado libraries to produce transaction logs that were used to gather statistics and analyze users' behavior when searching online catalogs. Implications for search instruction and systems design are suggested. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

A study of users' keyword searching success and knowledge using the NOTIS online catalog at Indiana State University revealed a low rate of knowledge about keyword searching. Frequency of catalog use, previous online database searching or computer coursework, and library instruction were found to correlate well with search success and keyword…

Reports on a transaction log study of the online catalog at North Carolina State University-Raleigh that was conducted to determine users' searching behavior and the problems they experienced. Failure rates for various searches are examined, usage patterns are described, and results are compared with data from earlier studies. (seven references)…

A survey of 148 library and information science (LIS) educators determined that electronic information resources in LIS curricula have been integrated into basic and advanced reference courses: Internet resources were covered by 81% and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) online union catalog by 53%. Lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice…

Discusses the need to reevaluate bibliographic instruction in academic libraries for an expanded online environment based on experiences at Moorhead State University (Minnesota). Topics addressed include the addition of databases to local online catalogs; student searching; search patterns; database characteristics; student search skills; library…

Describes a study conducted at the University at Albany, State University of New York, to identify reasons for library users failing to locate items in the online catalog. An analysis of interlibrary loan requests for items owned by the library is described, and implications for library instruction and staffing are suggested. (eight references)…

Ohio State University Library studied abilities of undergraduates to identify correct sources for answering reference questions when using the online catalog and the Sourcefinder database with its new Question Unit feature. Users located subjects and instructions at a greater percentage with Sourcefinder than with the online catalog. Topics…

Addresses the importance of effective screen and menu design for online public access catalogs, and the responsibility of the instruction librarian to learn required technological information, such as MARC format, in order to influence design. Other concerns for those involved in screen design include screens for gateways, system modules, local…