Libraries are not so unlike market giants Netflix, Amazon, and Pandora. Despite their significantly different business models and missions, they share an interest in facilitating the search for information, including what to read, view, and listen to next. Librarians, too, want their patrons to be able to use their tools to make connections among…

Lists and describes databases that provide software reviews and directories, and that focus on particular applications, including engineering, education, libraries, microcomputers, and general business. A directory of these databases is provided which includes the database producer, starting date, updating frequency, and online access vendor. (CLB)

These remarks are based on the Association's cooperative library study finding that two-thirds of the southeastern libraries are already participating in cooperative programs. Libraries must now exploit these avenues of cooperation, especially with the Library of Congress. Cooperative projects in automation such as CONSER, COMARC, and RLG are…

Representatives from three companies (Management Contents, ABI/INFORM, Predicasts) explain the coverage, content, thesauri, updating, products, and capabilities of their data bases. A panel of librarians from (1) a special library, (2) an academic library, and (3) a public library report on the use of business data bases in their respective…

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic factual information about the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), its data base, its operation, and its functions. It is intended for libraries which have not yet participated in OCLC, but would be useful as a reference guide in all libraries. Presented in question and answer form, the guide consists…

Discusses the effects of microcomputers on online services and products from the perspectives of the major participants in the online industry--database creators and providers; service or network operators; libraries and information brokers; and end users. Ongoing developments and trends affecting participant groups are reviewed. Three references…

Discusses political questions raised by the existence and growth potential of the online retrieval industry because it is privately owned and profit oriented. The user fee debate, information ownership, danger of manipulation, libraries as marketers, library action, and a library database consortium are highlighted. Seventeen references are cited.…

Describes an online microcomputer-based system called Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES) which stores factual information. Examples of data in the system and uses of the service are presented, as well as considerations for the future. Twelve (12) references are included. (Author/BK)

Printings and editions of a given monographic title are noted as major causes of duplicate bibliographic records in bibliographic networks. Considerations which cataloger must note--history of printing technology, cataloging rules, Library of Congress policy, local practices, and standards of bibliographic utilities--are discussed. Thirty-three…

In-house library databases or "private files" (online catalog, library-created indexes, citations to journal literature) are discussed, focusing on computer software directories, periodicals, general directories, and online directories as sources for information on computer software. (EJS)

Considers a definition of online searching and discusses each of these factors--training, search aids, physical setting, search request form, interview and profile construction, terminal session, search evaluation, document delivery, professional reading, and online user groups. Eighteen sources are cited. (EJS)

Identifies the advantages and limitations of online search services offered by libraries, cautioning the searcher and user to consider and evaluate all options before performing online search. The librarian's responsibility to solve the user's information problem in a desirable way is discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Summarizes use statistics for the first year of search activity for the Kansas City Libraries Metropolitan Information Network (MINET). Included are databases searched, types of participating libraries, patron status, search systems used, charges, nonpaid searches, and referrals. (SW)

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.…

Papers presented at an August 1984 international seminar on online user education include "Library Policies and Strategies in The Netherlands" (Chris J. van Wijk, The Netherlands); "Promotion and Marketing of Library Services" (Nancy Fjallbrant, Sweden); "Library Promotion by Computer" (Ian Malley, United Kingdom); "Library User Education and…