Describes the National Institute of Health's GenBank DNA sequence database and how it can be accessed through the Internet. A real reference question, which was answered successfully using the database, is reproduced to illustrate and elaborate on the potential of the Internet for information retrieval. (10 references) (KRN)

This research is concerned with the pragmatic performance characteristics of competing information technologies (ITs) and services in the university research center, as measured by user demand and choice. Technologies and services studied include: (1) mediated search service operating at cost recovery, open to all; (2) end-user service collecting…

Describes a pilot project at the Department of Commerce Mountain Administrative Support Center Library that compared the cost effectiveness of CD-ROM with that of other media and examined the acceptability of CD-ROM by staff and users. A list of the CD-ROM products evaluated and the evaluation form used are appended. (CLB)

Presents results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members in the United States and Canada that was conducted to discover which electronic reference options are offered and their impact on library services. Online mediated searching, CD-ROM, end-user searching, and local databases are investigated. (nine references) (LRW)

Develops the argument that academic research libraries should use their materials budget to provide access to materials in all formats, including machine readable information in both locally available systems and commercially owned remote online databases. (CLB)

Based on the conference theme, "Finding Ways: Excellence under Pressure," papers presented at the 1986 meeting of the association include: (1) "Coping with Budget Pressure: A Public Services Librarian's View" (Janet C. Lu); (2) "The Librarian, the Accession List, and the Database" (B. C. Wehrman); (3) "New Start:…

Reports on a study of CD-ROM products in Nigerian libraries and information centers that gathered information about funding sources, users, hardware configurations, and training facilities through a survey of research, public, and academic libraries. Recommendations for future CD-ROM use are included, and a copy of the survey is appended.…