This study sought to determine the levels of persistence in scanning postings that are typical of users of one online public information system, LCS (Library Computer System), as it was configured in Illinois in 1987. The study involved observation of users doing searches in an academic library, questioning them about what they had done, and then…

This workbook provides an introduction to the library of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and its online catalog system, LUIS (Library User Information Service). A description of the arrangement of the library is followed by instructions for using the online catalog, including searching by author, title, or subject, and information…

Describes the development of a CD-ROM public access catalog (CD-PAC)-circulation system interface at the Tacoma (Washington) Public Library. Cost considerations, advantages and disadvantages, access time, and currency of the CD-PAC are discussed. Sidebars cover CD-ROM and the library market, future technologies, and comparisons of prices for…

Suggests ways of using computers to access the periodical literature including integrated public access catalogs; natural language display; network access to area union lists; links between indexing and location tools; access to journal content through the online catalog; broadened search capabilities; and remote user access with document…

Description of the development of a CD-ROM public access catalog at the Tacoma (Washington) Public Library covers: (1) costs; (2) pros and cons; (3) access time; (4) updates; (5) linking with the circulation system; (6) vendor selection; (7) compact disc interactive; and (8) digital video interactive. (MES)

Traces the development of library networking over the last 20 years, and examines the current attitude toward an integrated national network. The political and economic problems of the Linked Systems Project are discussed, as well as issues relating to copyright. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes a technique for accessing a library system with limited interconnectivity by connecting the system to a gateway machine that is a host in the local area network and evaluates the performance of an existing prototype that has been implemented at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Author/CLB)

Presents a model that calculates the conditions under which a library may adopt a highly service-oriented online catalog access policy at minimum additional cost. The use of arrival rates, service rates, and queueing calculations to arrive at a cost-effective policy is explained. (Author/CLB)

Examines cost effectiveness and efficiency of using Government Printing Office Cataloging tapes to add records to online catalogs. Several problems, including errors and inconsistencies in tapes and lack of documentation, are identified. Options available for libraries wishing to make use of these tapes are described. (CLB)

This discussion of information technology and its impact on library operations and services emphasizes the development of microcomputer and laser optical disc technologies. Libraries' earlier responses to bibliographic utilities, online databases, and online public access catalogs are described, and future directions for library services are…

The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-indexer consistency in the assignment of selected access points between OCLC and RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network). Both databases are used by many libraries as bibliographic sources for copy cataloging. Access points were compared for differences in wording, MARC coding, and…

This report explores the suitability of Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) as a framework for building, managing, and providing access to digital libraries, with special emphasis on preservation and access issues. SGML is an international standard (ISO 8879) designed to promote text interchange. It is used to define markup languages,…

Discusses the problems encountered by elementary school children in retrieving information from a library catalog, either the traditional card catalog or an OPAC (online public access catalog). An alternative system of classification using colors and symbols is described that was developed in the Common School (Amherst, Massachusetts). (Author/LRW)

Reports on a study of keyword and Boolean searching by users of an online public access catalog (OPAC) at the University of Oklahoma. Results of survey questionnaires and transaction log analysis indicate users search more often by keyword, even though the search usually fails and they don't understand it. (15 tables) (Author/LRW)

Assesses the current state of reference structures in online public access catalogs (OPACs) in a framework defined by stagnation, progress, and future challenges. Outlines six areas for reference structure development. Twenty figures provide illustrations. (AEF)