It seems, at times, that a frantic race persists to ensure that a child, in the crucial learning stages of early elementary education, acquires the appropriate reading level before he or she "gets behind." Though there are obvious issues with branding a book "Grade Level One" or "Reading Level 2.2," it is nevertheless…

Programs of the National Library of Medicine over almost a century and a half are described, ranging from a history of American medical literature and the development of medical indexing to modern technological developments. Activities covered include the development of the Toxicology Information Program and the online data base TOXLINE; the…

This document explores the various issues and concerns related to the development of online systems in libraries and, in particular, online catalogs. Following a preface, foreword, and introduction, chapters are devoted to each of the following topics: (l) providing for special interests including the disabled; (2) authority control; (3) subject…

Compares LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) on SilverPlatter's CD-ROM with its replacement version, Bowker-Saur's LISA Plus. Features reviewed include entry to the databases; use of Boolean search facilities; indexes and browsing; displaying and printing records; subsidiary functions; on-screen help; and interfaces. (Contains eight…

With minimal staff and a small expenditure on software, Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, New Hampshire, created a publicly accessible index to its local newspapers on its Web site. Reference staff members perform the indexing during slow times at the desk using Filemaker Pro software and the indexing guidelines and thesaurus developed in-house.…

As part of its continuing interest in evaluating new technological developments, including videotex, the National Library of Australia presents a synopsis of a 1981 study by Insearch Ltd. and an in-house assessment of the potential usefulness of interactive videotex services for the Australian business and library communities. The Insearch study…

In November 1982, questionnaires were sent to 1400 public, secondary school, academic, and special libraries in Massachusetts to determine their use of computers for various activities. Of the 778 respondents, 282 (36.2%) reported automation of some kind and an additional 105 (13.5%) indicated that they were planning some automation within a year.…

Papers on cataloging and classification which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Online Cataloging at the Bibliotheque Nationale (Francoise Finelli and Serge Salomon, France); (2) "Development of National Press Repertoire in the Condition of Multinational State: Its…

Describes complementary characteristics of computing centers and libraries that could be combined to form the core of information support centers and discusses the possible impact on library processes and services. The use of telecommunications networks to reduce costs and increase efficiency in academic libraries is also examined. (CLB)

Two questions arise in regard to the computer-based humanities reference services: (1) What knowledge, abilities, and attitudes should the information specialist or librarian in the university library have in order to aid users in fully exploiting the innovative humanities information handling processes? (2) To what extent do users in the…

Sixteen papers are presented which focus on microforms and data processing in library and information centers. Articles include discussions of cost analysis, decision making and program planning, library automation, information retrieval, indexing, cataloging, and computer services for libraries. (CH)