A founder trustee of OCLC recounts the steps toward automation of library catalogs encountered during his career, from the use of punched cards in a circulation system to the implementation of online union catalogs. (CLB)

Describes a transaction log analysis of the New York Public Library research libraries' OPAC (online public access catalog). Much of the remote searching occurred when the libraries were closed and was more evenly distributed than internal searching, demonstrating that remote searching could expand access and reduce peak system loads. (Contains…

Describes a study that measured the benefits of an automated catalog and automated circulation system from the library user's point of view in terms of the value of time saved. Topics discussed include patterns of use, access time, availability of information, search behaviors, and the effectiveness of the measures used. (seven references)…

A survey of school media centers in Minnesota elementary and secondary schools was undertaken to determine the extent of the progress they have made towards meeting the Information Power guidelines for automation. Two hundred schools were selected to receive an eight-page questionnaire, and 57% responded. The results show that Minnesota library…

Eight issues of a newsletter on recent library statistics provide information on Colorado public library cards, public library use, Internet use by librarians, school library media centers, electronic services in academic libraries, and the role of information in entertainment. In 1995, Coloradans had 2.5 million library cards, and three times as…

This report describes a three-stage catalog use study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 through 1986 to determine the types of searches conducted and search success rates for both the card and online catalogs during the library's transition to the DataPhase Automated Library Information System (ALIS). Phase I, conducted…

Members of the Tennessee Library Association's Technical Services Roundtable examined the extent to which the developing technology of automation is being utilized by the state's libraries. The survey encompassed technical service activities and had a two-fold thrust: to determine how automation is being employed, and to compile an inventory of…

The impact of an automated circulation system and online catalog on interlibrary loans at a county college is evaluated in terms of activity by patron type, periodicals usage, costs, borrowing activity, and interlibrary loan activity. (CLB)

Reviews recent and current research and development projects in the United Kingdom dealing with online information systems. Main areas of research (systems design, impact on user behavior and organizational structure, ergonomics and bibliographic factors) and research techniques (features analysis, transaction log analysis, surveys and comparative…

In 1988 the State of Missouri became involved in a project to develop a statewide bibliographic database in which a CD-PAC (a library catalog contained on CD-ROM) of the machine-readable records available from all types of libraries was produced. This study was conducted to assess the impact of the Missouri Statewide Bibliographic Database (MCAT),…

Describes a study that was conducted to provide information on the extent of bibliographic instruction in curriculum materials centers (CMCs) or related library/media collections designed for the use of prospective teachers and teacher educators. The study paid particular attention to instruction in the use of online public catalogs. (30…

In the fall of 1990, the Computer Services Section of the Department of Public Instruction in North Carolina began a project to study how the use of an online catalog in the media center would influence student academic achievement and provide a vehicle for students to gain the skills needed to access information. For a year, the media…

Discussion of resistance to technological changes in libraries focuses on a study conducted at Algoma University College (Canada) to determine library users' reactions to the online catalog. The coexistence of traditional card catalogs and online catalogs is discussed, and the importance of the role public service staff play is emphasized. (nine…

Intended for use as a networking source for microcomputer users, this directory collates the results of a survey on microcomputer usage in school and public libraries in South Dakota that was conducted in the spring of 1990. Entries are divided by type of library. Subsections within the school section are a directory of libraries that report any…

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…