Describes a survey of users of ERIC and AGRICOLA databases in a midsized public university library. Statistics on the use of computerized and print resources, user reasons for choosing the computerized databases, and the percentage of inappropriate or borderline searches are presented; and implications for library services are drawn. (12…

This manual introduces the novice searcher to ERIC on Disc and discusses how to prepare for a search by creating a search statement; how to locate ERIC terms using the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors; and how to modify and limit the search using boolean logic. A computer keyboard illustration accompanies descriptions of the functions of the…

Describes an evaluation project in which King's College Library acted as a test site for the OCLC version of ERIC on CD-ROM. The description covers the provision of equipment, software, accompanying literature, and assessment questionnaires, as well as characteristics of the system and search facilities. Results discussed include user reaction and…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Illinois to test the effectiveness of subject access in the online bibliographic catalog. Relevance is examined and possible methods of improving subject access are described. Results suggest that significant improvements are not possible within the constraints of existing subject cataloging…

One hundred sixty-one MEDLINE searches conducted by third year medical students were analyzed and evaluated to determine which search behaviors were used, whether those individual moves are effective, and whether there is a relationship between specific search behaviors and the effectiveness of the search strategy as a whole. The typical search…

This annotated bibliography/resource guide is intended to assist users in locating resources on educational research in the Bridgewater (Massachusetts) State College Curriculum Library. The first of five sections provides a listing of 25 basic sources for locating educational research, including indexes and abstracts of periodicals and serials of…

Integrating comments from the literature about CD-ROMs, online searching, and information retrieval, this report describes the initial experience of using InfoTrac at Winona State University (WSU). After finding that students did not tend to order fee-based online searches, the WSU library provided access on a trial basis to bibliographic…

Describes how automation has transformed the library and how super-catalogs have affected the process of doing research. Explains how faculty and librarians can work together to help students to use the available databases effectively, by teaching them Boolean logic, standard record formats, filing rules, etc. (DMM)

ERIC and PsycLit are two of the most frequently searched CD-ROM databases at the Indiana University-Bloomington campus. Training has been developed to help students use these popular resources. This includes classroom presentations on ERIC in the Education Department and training workshops in the library for ERIC and PsycLit users. In 1990 a…