Integrating machine-readable data files and microcomputer software (combined as MRDF) into traditional library and information services by incorporating a MARC format for them into the bibliographic networks will increase access to those materials. Standards for their bibliographic control have been developed and progress is being made in their…

Discusses educational applications and implications of the GeoRef geoscience database. GeoRef is 15 years old and will soon contain one million references. The online product of the database is explained in relation to accessibility, educational impact, and searching methodology. (Author/JN)

Describes two new bibliographic information services being marketed to microcomputer owners by DIALOG, Inc. and Bibliographic Retrieval Services to allow access to databases at low rates during evening hours. Subject focus, selection of a database, search strategies employed on each system are discussed, and the two services are compared. (EJS)

Describes the six tasks required in the development of an online database: analysis, design, programing, testing, loading, and documentation. Figures illustrate file formats, and a bibliography lists five sources. (FM)

The underlying logic and usefulness of true performance monitoring and its potential contribution to program evaluation are examined. It provides an accumulating data base to serve many research designs and generally supports the evaluation process. Increased emphasis on performance monitoring will lead to more cost-effective, policy-relevant…

The problem surrounding the cataloging of previously existing works in terms of the original or in terms of the present copy is discussed. Reasons why the description of the original in microforms cataloging may not be the ideal solution are suggested, and a bibliography of 12 items is included. (CHC)

An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

Proposes indexing technical information by function and attribute instead of indexing by subject to increase retrieval efficiency. Reasons for the lack of accurate and comprehensive technical product information in databases and the need for an improvement in reference services are discussed. (RBF)

Reports the results of experiments using colon classification for the analysis, representation, and retrieval of primary information from the full text of documents. Recall, precision, and search length measures indicate colon classification did not perform significantly better than Boolean or simple word occurrence systems. Thirteen references…

The method of handling the printed documentation associated with online information retrieval, which is described, involves the use of a series of separate but related files: database files, system files, network files, index sheets, and equipment files. (FM)

Briefly describes the origin and development of some major online bibliographic utilities, including the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS), and the Washington Library Network (WLN). (FM)

Presents a series of questions and answers pertaining to the relationship between the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) and the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and touches on matters of policy and linkages. (FM)

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…

Classifies the types of online databases available through System Development Corporation (ORBIT) and Lockheed Information Systems (DIALOG) that access government information; briefly describes those which include access to government sources; and discusses in greater depth five databases which exclusively access U.S. Federal Government Documents.…

Resource materials pertinent to the professional physical education and sport are cited. (JD)