Tutorials and digital learning objects provide librarians a quick, concise mechanism for delivering information and training on a wide range of library topics. The semiotic theory promoted by Charles Sanders Peirce (Wiener, 1958) and Howard Smith (2005) contains implications for enhancing the effectiveness of library tutorials through the…

Considers the value of information contained within a library's online public access catalog. Assesses the value of MARC records; authority records; indexes; location and status information; and value for an individual. (LRW)

Ever since North Carolina State University Libraries launched their Endeca-based OPAC replacement in the beginning of 2006, the library world has been completely obsessed with ditching their old, tired catalog interfaces (and with good reason) for the greener pastures of more sophisticated indexing, more accurate relevance ranking, dust jackets,…

Reports results of a comparison of the Academic Index on CD-ROM and four indexes on the OPAC (online public access catalog) at Brooklyn College (New York): General Science Index, Humanities Index, Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature, and Social Science Index. Coverage of the "New York Times" was found to be important. (LRW)

The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-indexer consistency in the assignment of selected access points between OCLC and RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network). Both databases are used by many libraries as bibliographic sources for copy cataloging. Access points were compared for differences in wording, MARC coding, and…

Discusses the copyright implications of adding tables of contents and book indexes to online catalogs and examines the differing interpretations of fair use in for-profit and nonprofit institutions. (EA)

Discussion of online catalogs focuses on issues in interface design. Issues addressed include understanding the user base; common user access (CUA) with personal computers; common command language (CCL); hyperlinks; screen design issues; differences from card catalogs; indexes; graphic user interfaces (GUIs); color; online help; and remote users.…

Describes a study at the City University (London) that was conducted to evaluate the impact of an online catalog on subject searching behavior. Methods of using the catalog and browsing at the shelves are examined, and results are compared with an earlier study of subject searching with a manual PRECIS index. (25 references) (LRW)

A meta-analytical literature review was performed on the literature in which computerized and paper based information retrieval systems were compared. Specifically, online catalogs were compared with card catalogs, and online bibliographic retrieval was compared with searching printed indexes. Studies which included information on relevance,…

Compares five services that offer mediated access to the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications--Auto-Graphics, Brodart, Information Access (two services), and LSSI--on 14 points ranging from basic cost and type of media (microfiche, microfilm, laser optical disk, optical disk) to special features or enhancements. (CLB)

Describes a study of library users' search strategies which focused on the extent of subject searching activity when using bibliographic tools and shelf browsing. The use of the results to evaluate the impact of a future online catalog on search behaviors is discussed. (23 references) (CLB)

Describes the use of HyperCard software as an economical alternative to an online catalog to provide access to works of literary criticism at New Canaan High School (Connecticut). Topics discussed include the search screen display; the use of a scanner to input actual book indexes; and a dictionary of authors. (LRW)

This workbook is designed to familiarize students with the layout of Whittemore Library (Framingham State College, Massachusetts) and the types of information sources available for them to use in solving their research problems. It also provides guidance in developing a logical, systematic plan for formulating a search strategy and gathering…

Compares traditional cataloging to Web-based. Discusses intellectual-access issues as they apply to reference services today, and outlines deficiencies in traditional cataloging, and corresponding attributes of Web-based intellectual access. Notes ways that catalogers and public-service librarians can address these issues. (Author/AEF)

Describes the special collection on deaf people and deafness in the Gallaudet University Library (Washington, DC). Topics include periodicals; cataloging; the classification system and subject headings developed for the collection; online catalogs; online periodical indexes; deaf reference; archives; and the World Wide Web home page. (Author/LRW)