Provides an analysis of the CONversion of SERials (CONSER) Project from the point of view of an academic librarian who has been involved in reference service functions. (Author/PF)

Discusses the rise of drug information centers in hospitals and medical centers, highlighting staffing, functions, typical categories of questions received by centers, and sources used. An appendix of drug information sources included in texts, updated services, journals, and computer databases is provided. Thirteen references are listed. (EJS)

Reports results of 1983 survey of 25 public libraries and 1981 survey of 11 public libraries, both of which focused on facets of online information services--user fees, databases, documentation, equipment, miscellaneous services, and subject areas searched. The 1983 questionnaire and seven sources are appended. (EJS)

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Reports on the use of microcomputers in comprehensive library circulation systems. Topics covered include system requirements (reliability, completeness); determining circulation system needs (saving money, improving service, modernization); limitations of microcomputers (capacity, kinds of data stored, number of stations or terminals); system…

This profile of INFORM, the fee-based service offered by Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center, highlights its background, online search services and frequently used databases, major planning considerations (equipment, user aids, choice of vendor, training), internal operations (billing, purchasing items for clients), marketing, and…

Suggests standards designed to guide potential database users through a systematic evaluation process to choose database appropriate for particular application. Comparison standards are provided for database content (scope, completeness, source coverage, selection/evaluation, redundancy, references); database systems (documentation, accessibility,…

Discusses links between art history and progress in the technology of visual documentation, including engravings, photographs, visual libraries devoted to collection and organization of photographic images, technological advancements of the twentieth century (microfiche, videodisc, computer), and verbal and visual characteristics of a work of art.…

Defining a numeric database as a computer-readable collection of data predominantly numeric in nature, this article reviews techniques and technologies having a positive influence on the growth of numeric databases, such as videotex, mini- and microcomputers, artificial intelligence, improved software, telecommunications, and office automation.…

This introduction to online numeric database systems describes the types of databases associated with such systems, shows the major functions which they can perform (retrieval, analysis, display), and identifies the major characteristics of user interfaces. Examples of numeric database use are appended. (EJS)

Review of technological advances and emerging information services that are having an effect on Australian schools highlights cataloging, circulation, and information services (Australian Schools Catalogue Information Service, South Australian Education Resources Information System, regional automated library networks); audiovisual services;…

Discussion of school library media center automation resulting from network participation provides a brief overview of the literature that mentions automation in conjunction with networks and a review of several model programs in Indiana, New York, and Ohio. Network participation in OCLC is noted. Twenty-three references are included. (EJS)

Summarizes market pressures and applications of use of electronic communication technology in scientific information dissemination and presents publishers' short-term response (electronic manuscript standardization, database orientation, provision of journal articles on demand, improvement of online search software); publishers' long-term response…

Describes the use of online accounting systems as a means of integrating diverse data and providing different levels of analysis for managers. An appendix provides examples of reports produced by online systems. (CLB)

Considers the impact of Remote Electronic Access and Delivery of Information (READI) upon library services, discusses the uses of online public access information systems in a library setting, describes videotex systems currently in use, and outlines possibilities for the creation of local databases, automatic borrowing of books, and other…