This discussion of the use of optical scanning and computer formatting for retrospective conversion focuses on a series of applications known as Optical Scanning for Creation of Information Databases (OSCID). Prior research in this area and the usefulness of OSCID for creating low-priced machine-readable data representing older materials are…

This paper discusses the first major implementation of two significant new cataloging models: IFLA's FRBR (International Federation of Library Associations' Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) and event modeling (INDECS and Harmony). The paper refers briefly to the decision making processes leading to the adoption of these models,…

Describes a study that examined the occurrence of untraced references in general explanatory see references, see also references, and scope notes in the machine readable Library of Congress Subject Headings. The discussion covers the effort required to review these fields, delete unposted references and tracings, and substitute posted ones in…

Describes a study that collected statistics on the occurrence of terms used in searching an online catalog and investigated the correlation of the selection of terms with their occurrence in indexing. The discussion of the results includes implications for indexing theories. (19 references) (CLB)

Examines the problem resolution phase of a retrospective conversion project of monographic records at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass). The kinds of problems encountered are categorized and discussed. Suggestions for developing editing guidelines are offered, and the guidelines developed for standardization of problem resolution at…

Presents a humorous approach to the question of how to recycle catalog cards necessitated by the results of library automation and online catalogs. A sidebar summarizes an article that appeared in the "New Yorker" magazine regarding the discard of card catalogs. (LRW)

Discusses the graphical user interface (GUI) online public access catalog (OPAC), a user interface that uses images to represent options. Topics include user interface design for information retrieval; designing effective bibliographic displays, including subject headings; two design principles; and what GUIs can bring to OPACs. (LRW)

Discusses cataloging audiovisual materials and the concept of chief source of information and describes a study that compared citations from fully cataloged audiovisual records with their corresponding citations from bibliographic sourcebooks, based on records in AVLINE (National Library of Medicine's Audiovisual On-Line Catalog). Examples of…

Discusses problems of information distortion resulting from romanization (i.e., representation of nonroman scripts in Latin characters) and modifications of USMARC format to support nonroman scripts in library catalogs. Efforts to develop a universal character set and its potential effects on USMARC are considered. (45 references) (MES)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Describes the Multimedia Visualizer, an online public access catalog (OPAC) that uses animated visualizations to make it more user friendly. Pictures of the system are shown that illustrate the interactive objects that patrons can access, including card catalog drawers, librarian desks, and bookshelves; and access to multimedia items is described.…

Discusses problems with subject searches in online library catalogs and examines theoretical principles for the design of effective information retrieval systems. Probabilistic ranking methods are discussed, and an experimental online catalog called CHESHIRE is described. It is noted that CHESHIRE uses classification clustering, provides natural…

Reports on a forum held at Rutgers University that addressed issues involved in authority control in the online environment of libraries. Topics discussed include authority control to help the collocating functions of a library catalog; authority control in online systems; automated authority control and technical services; and users and thesaurus…

Provides an overview of 50 bibliographic databases and library cataloging services currently available on CD-ROM. Entries include the name of the database; producer; frequency of updates; period covered; number of items included; subscription price; and a summary of the contents. Addresses of producers are also provided. (MES)

Reviews selected research on content-enriched access (including information components such as tables of contents and indexes) in information retrieval systems. It is concluded that well-selected content components and full-text materials in electronic systems must be linked with improved search methodologies, better interfaces, and greater…