After a brief description of the Micrographic Catalog Retrieval System (MCRS) and its use in card production, searching procedures are outlined along with statistical data. The experience has demonstrated that the use of MCRS can mean a saving of staff time and more rapid retrieval of LC cataloging copy for current books. (6 references) (Author/NH)

Keyword searches in title statement and subject headings retrieved more relevant references than search by LC or Dewey class numbers or by scanning the Dewey class numbers for area codes. An analysis of false drops was made to determine how the search strategy could be improved. (Author/NH)

Reports on study conducted at the James J. Hill Reference Library in St. Paul, Minnesota, which explored the extent to which duplicate records in the OCLC database are affecting usefulness of system. Search keys and 'search enhancements' recently introduced by OCLC are discussed with examples. Thirteen references are cited. (EJS)

Describes a survey of reference librarians that examined their behavior and preferences when searching for conference proceedings identified by a generic term for meeting and the name of the corporate body holding the meeting. Current cataloging practices are evaluated in light of the findings. The questionnaire used is appended. (eight…

Discusses the goals of library catalogs, how and to what extent these goals are achieved, and differences which exist among online, card, book, and microform catalogs. Access and display of information are noted, highlighting form of entries (main entries, corporate authorship, subject description) and search strategies. Seven references are…

Comparisons and advantages of using a printer versus on line cataloging are presented, with statistics of title percentage from search procedures. (Author/KP)

Explores the 1988 "Books in Print Plus" (BIP Plus) CD-ROM database to determine broad characteristics of material currently in print in U.S. book trade in terms of publication year; price; language; and audience, grade level, and illustration. Accuracy and potential of BIP Plus as a tool for generating data and testing hypotheses…

Reviews a wide range of retrieval problems that arose with the implementation of an online catalog in an academic library, especially the problem of retrieving uniform titles coded as authors. The need for changes in the underlying format of coding uniform titles as a universal solution is discussed. (Author/CLB)

Six uses of classification in online retrieval systems are envisioned--to improve recall and precision; to conceptualize meaning of vague search terms; to provide structure for browsing; to provide framework for retrieval of nonbibliographic information; to collocate citations; and to achieve compatibility of retrieval languages. Seven sources are…

Four artificial intelligence (AI) concepts that have relevance for information retrieval systems are discussed and applied to area of authority control in automated catalogs--pattern recognition, representation, problem solving, learning. Existing automated authority control systems are analyzed using two other AI concepts, augmentation and…

This overview of the current capabilities of subject access in online public catalogs discusses keyword searching versus subject cataloging, users' views of the online catalog, and user-friendly versus user-hostile systems. Existing online catalogs in public and academic libraries are cited as examples. (EJS)

This paper analyzes proposals for augmenting library bibliographic records for improved subject searching in online catalogs by providing access to parts of books. Arguments for and against adding book content indexing, possible fields for enrichment, and feasibility of 11 alternatives for providing such information are presented. Twenty-two…

Describes various ways in which software systems for online catalogs can be designed to enhance subject access. Highlights include what to search (subject headings, titles, notes, authority-file records, classification numbers, and associated text); truncation and stemming; spelling correction; search strategies (headings, keywords, Boolean…

A multifaceted card catalog use study was conducted at University of Illinois Music Library to determine hourly rate of use at sound recording and book/music catalogs; time spent at catalogs; who uses catalogs and why; difficulties users encounter; success rate of users' searches; recommendations for designing online catalog. (16 references)…

Describes a project that examined the effects of incorporating subject terms from the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) into a bibliographic database. It is concluded that the incorporation of DDC and possibly other library classifications into online catalogs can enhance subject access and provide additional subject searching strategies. (11…