This manual for computer searchers describes the software package--IBM's STAIRS (Storage And Information Retrieval System)--used for searching databases in AUSINET (AUStralian Information NETwork). Whereas the first edition explained STAIRS in the context of the National Library's Online ERIC Project and the ERIC data base, this second edition…

Two basic data processing concepts are described: data elements (consisting of bits, bytes, fields, records, and files) and binary characters (standards, hex value, and extended character sets--Greek letters, superscripts, and subscripts). Use of machine-readable data in the OCLC-MARC database is noted. (EJS)

Describes how to make a home page for the World Wide Web using HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and a browser. Punctuation and tags are explained; an online address for useful information on Web browsers, HTML editors, graphics, and other help is given; and addresses for various Internet sites are included. (LRW)

This manual is designed to provide an introduction and basic guide to the use of IBM's Advanced Text Management System (ATMS), the text processing system to be used for the creation of Australian data bases within AUSINET. Instructions are provided for using the system to enter, store, retrieve, and modify data, which may then be displayed at the…

This sixth and final course installment discusses subject access to information through the online catalog. Highlights include online catalog transaction logs (printouts showing each step in all searches done in system), search effectiveness, online user training, unified access, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and online catalog design.…

In this fourth of five course installments, statements by four practitioners and researchers on role of Library of Congress (LC) and its subject headings in improving subject access to United States libraries are presented. Comments from LC and a tabulation of suggestions from 10 respondents are included. (EJS)

This document defines and describes electronic databases and provides guidance for organizing a useful database and for selecting hardware and software. Alternatives such as using larger machines are discussed, as are the computer skills necessary to use an electronic database and the use of the computer in the classroom. Files, records, and…

This workbook for participants in a 1988 Texas State Library workshop is designed to provide a step by step outline for the full process of bibliographic, item, and patron conversion from paper files to an online environment; to orient participants to various methods and major vendors of bibliographic retrospective conversion; and to provide a…

In this third of five course installments, the role of Library of Congress in providing improved subject access and weaknesses or defects of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are discussed. Reflections of six practioners and researcher/teachers on long term use of LCSH and the MARC bibliographic record are presented. (EJS)

In this second of five course installments, key terms in an up-to-date definition of "subject access"--access, collection of items, search words, vocabulary, index or catalog records, related words or clues, file--are identified, and their part in providing subject access in both traditional and computer-based services are discussed.…

This training material provides the reader with information on the installation of and instruction in the use of the on-line Novell Netware V2.15 training software, and consists of an Instructor's Guide and Student Handouts. The instructor's guide includes the following sections: system requirements; installation; starting the tutorial; completing…

This manual for authors of lessons to be used with the PLATO interactive computer system provides an overview of the system, describes its characteristics, and provides detailed instructions for the use of system features to author a lesson. An introductory chapter describes sign on procedures and various online features available to the author,…

Revised to reflect changes in both DIALOG and ERIC, this second edition of a self-improvement manual for online searchers who wish to refine their skills presents three basic approaches to searching and provides illustrations from DIALOG's ERIC ONTAP database. The manual is divided into two parts: an 8-step model of the total search process which…

Intended for the laboratory session of a 2-credit course on science and engineering information, this workbook introduces upper level undergraduate and graduate students to traditional and computerized library resources. Initially it presents the student with the basic information tools used to locate books, magazines, and journals, and includes…

This manual, intended for the librarian or information specialist beginning with online systems, introduces the National Agricultural Library's (NAL) Cataloging and Indexing System (CAIN) and presents the search techniques required for retrieving information on agriculture and its many related fields. The manual, which concentrates on the online…