Reports the findings of the SLA Information Technology Division's survey of database searchers regarding their opinions of current system capabilities and their requirements for future developments. Factors affecting use, text searching, standardized formats, and replacing print subscriptions with online services are discussed. The questionnaire…

Describes a survey made in 1976 among the users of 35 patent libraries in the member countries of the European Community. Findings present sources of users, frequency of visits, types of users, and specific comments from users, including their willingness to pay for services. (Author/JD)

Describes a study by Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Library to determine user satisfaction with the graphical user interface-based (GUI) Dynix Marquis compared with the text-based Dynix Classic Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). Results show that the GUI-based OPAC was preferred by endusers over the text-based OPAC. (eight references) (DGM)

Describes the experiences of the University of Southern California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Biomedical Library in testing MEDLINE on CD-ROM. Preparations for testing are discussed, as well as patron response to the system, measured by evaluation forms, and implications for libraries providing new technological tools for patrons. (MES)

Discusses two ways that perceptions concerning effectiveness of special libraries and information centers can be changed--change methods used to account for library financially and change provision of services to better meet users' needs. Seven steps for increasing real and perceived value of library to organization are proposed. (11 sources) (EJS)

Some students and all instructional faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy Library were surveyed by a team of computer and behavioral scientists and library administrators. Findings included a high opinion rating of known services but also identified numerous little-known services and resources; measurable differences in usage patterns were…

Explores ethical issues for online searchers that are exacerbated by the searcher's gatekeeper function--searcher competence, searcher bias, inaccurate search results, misuse of search results by client, and privacy and confidentiality. A model for ethical decision making is presented and a list of guidelines for ethical conduct is suggested. (EJS)

Four aspects of user satisfaction are identified and discussed: output, service policies, library as a whole, and interaction with library personnel. While techniques for output measurement have received the greatest attention, other assumptions can be made about user satisfaction measurements. They will be affected by requirements, expectations,…

Summarizes the findings of a survey taken to measure user satisfaction with General Electric's online search services, including search retrieval relevance and search benefits. Nine references are cited and a sample questionnaire is provided. (FM)

Summarizes the results of a Special Libraries Association membership survey on technology. Data are reported on types of technology currently in use, parent organizations, members' relationships to technology, purchasing power, staffing, the impact of technology on staff size and services, user satisfaction, job satisfaction, type of institution…

Describes the use of PC FOCUS, a database management package for IBM microcomputers, in the creation of an online catalog and index for a management library and information service. The programing and input required and system performance are discussed in detail. (CLB)

Describes a study that examined problems encountered by geoscientists in retrieving and processing information. The results reported include judged importance of information sources, modes of information seeking, interest in end-user searching, opinions of foreign language literature, variations in information seeking patterns, and constraints set…

Describes how the physical sciences library at Western Michigan University introduced a mathematical database on CD-ROM and trained patrons to conduct their own searches. The "Mathematical Reviews" database (entitled MathSci Disc) is described, and three types of training are discussed: informal demonstrations, self-instructional guides,…

Discussion of the scope of electronic information resources available to libraries includes examples of several new sources. Solutions to increasing patron demand for materials are considered, including interlibrary loan, for-profit companies and agencies, and services that allow patrons to request materials directly. Issues of staff training,…