Discusses the needs of remote users of online public access catalogs (OPACs). User expectations are discussed; problems encountered by remote-access users are examined, including technical problems and searching problems; support services are described, including instruction, print guides, and online help; and differences from the needs of…

Discusses the idea of including information about the MARC format in library online catalog instruction. Difficulties that users encounter when using different online catalogs with different formats are discussed, and a presentation developed at the University of California at Berkeley to explain the MARC format to users is described. (three…

This survey of 57 members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) examines technical and management issues in providing remote access to their online catalogs, as well as with instructions and services for remote users. It is noted that most ARL libraries have not yet conducted studies to project the extent of use of remote access, although…

Reports on the results of two experiments testing the effectiveness of a concept-based computer tutorial for OPAC (online public access catalog) users. Factors that may have caused differences in results, including OPACs used in the experiments and the participants' different ability levels, are discussed. Findings are related to similar studies.…

This handbook is designed for users of the D. Hiden Ramsey Library at the University of North Carolina at Asheville "make sense" of library research. Guidelines and information are divided into eight chapters: (1) "Using the D. Hiden Ramsey Library"; (2) "Developing a Library Research Strategy"; (3) "The Library…

This report is a documentation of the questionnaire that was used for a user survey conducted by the University Library of the Technische Universitat Wien (University of Technology, Vienna, Austria) in 1979-80. The survey entailed interviewing 692 faculty as well as 1,319 students on the following topics: (1) social variables; (2) research and…

Describes a microcomputer program that serves as a front-end to an online library catalog and other information sources and provides guidance to students on searching for and evaluating information. Funding, technology, evaluation, impact on other libraries, and future plans are discussed. Sample screens are included. (Contains 75 references.)…

This study suggests that it is important to study library users' reaction to and satisfaction with the instruction given to them for use of the online public access catalog (OPAC). The objective of this study was to discover the types of instruction that users at the Beavercreek Community Library (Ohio) feel are most useful in learning the OPAC.…

This document provides an overview of the concepts and processes behind reference services and the most important sources consulted in answering common reference questions. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with concepts and theory. It covers ethical aspects of reference service, the reference interview, the principles and goals of…

A review of statistics on CD-ROM usage on the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale's library network revealed patron difficulty in utilizing electronic indexes. Appropriate database selection and searching problems are identified, and introductory workshops on electronic library resources are suggested to assist students in making better…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…

In response to the changes in curriculum as a result of educational reform and the introduction of information technologies into school library media centers, media specialists need to ensure that all students acquire the skills needed to manage information. This study sought to determine what assistance methods eighth-grade students would use to…