Presents opinions on the rapid growth of online databases and advice for users gathered from nine experts in the information field. (MES)

A listing is presented of 17 documents in the ERIC database concerning the Online Catalog (sometimes referred to as OPAC or Online Public Access Catalog), a computer-based and supported library catalog designed for patron use. The database usually represents recent acquisitions and often contains information about books on order and items in…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Today there are over 900 on-line data banks available for public access. Most microcomputers can use them through the aid of a modem and communication program. Major public information utilities that offer access to these on-line data bases are growing and expanding. The Source, a data base utility…

Discusses issues which will have an impact on database searching for the next five years: (1) quality control; (2) more inhouse databases; (3) changes in database visuals; (4) pricing policies; and (5) market changes. A number of favorable and unfavorable changes unlikely to occur within five years are also noted. (MES)

Evaluates the database program SAVVY PC and describes its use in a public library reference department to index a local newspaper. The basic structure of SAVVY and FORTH, the language it's written in, are explained along with how the database is used. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed. (EM)

A reference guide for online bibliographic searchers introduces and explains the major computer-searchable fields of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database, presents field access labels or commands of three online ERIC database vendors--BRS, DIALOG, and ORBIT--and lists the codes necessary for searching particular ERIC…

This task force report on current and anticipated needs relating to the use of microcomputers in libraries on the University of California, Berkeley, campus is intended to serve as a fundamental document, the basis for future discussion, planning, and development. The task force divided into two groups to consider the issues of staff use of…

Reports the results of a study which examined costs and search results for 20 searchers conducted on both BRS After Dark and Knowledge Index. Various features of the two retrieval systems are reviewed, and advantages and disadvantages of each system are summarized. Data are presented in one table and several graphs. (24 references) (MES)

Describes how anyone with a personal computer and a telephone can easily go "online" with hundreds of different bulletin board services (BBS), many of which are ideal data sources and information exchanges for amateur scientists. Lists contact information for selected commercial and governmental BBS systems. (Author/JJK)

American Chemical Society's Directory of Graduate Research has been put online. Information on faculty research interests and demographics at United States and Canadian universities offering chemical sciences graduate degrees can be retrieved. New concordance codes permit searching at different hierarchical levels, thus providing more information…

Presents a planning guide for implementation of online services at a public library, consisting of: (1) identification of public service goals and online reference objectives, (2) needs assessment, (3) manipulating the political environment, (4) project description, (5) time schedule, (6) preliminary budget, and (7) evaluation. (SW)

This paper describes the provision of end-user search services in the libraries of the University of Ottawa using BRS/After Dark. It is noted that the service--Online After Six--is available during the evening hours to university faculty, students, and staff and to the general public. Program planning stages, service regulations, fees charged, and…

This guide provides annotated lists of books, journals, indexes, and computer-based services and organizations that are sources of test information. The guide directs educators to test information about assessing academic ability, aptitude, achievement, personality, vocational aptitude, and intelligence, as well as specialized topics such as…

This annotated bibliography presents 163 references on legal education, part-time higher education, continuing, adult and distance from a broad range of authors and sources within and outside the legal education field for those interested in part-time legal education. An introduction discusses biases against part-time legal education within the…

Based partly on an online policy manual developed at the University of Houston, this policy statement for the Online Database Retrieval Service (ODRS) at Murray State University, Kentucky, provides guidelines for the librarian administering the service and for librarians conducting online searches. Eleven sections cover: (1) a statement of purpose…