Discusses forces working against traditional academic libraries, including bureaucrats who do not understand libraries and want to save money and people who think technology will be able to provide better access to information without any guidance. Topics addressed include money and power; the economics of the publishing industry; and funding for…

Compares LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) on SilverPlatter's CD-ROM with its replacement version, Bowker-Saur's LISA Plus. Features reviewed include entry to the databases; use of Boolean search facilities; indexes and browsing; displaying and printing records; subsidiary functions; on-screen help; and interfaces. (Contains eight…

Describes use studies of OCLC's FirstSearch, an online reference service for end-users, that was conducted at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are described, including use statistics, online user surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups; and strengths and weaknesses of FirstSearch are…

Discusses resources accessible on the Internet, as well as providing some Internet addresses useful for developmental educators. Provides descriptions of and information on how to interact with Listservs (discussion groups), ARCHIEs (a search utility), GOPHERs (an Internet navigation system), WAISs (Wide Area Information Servers), and other…

A panel of four conference presenters address issues related to paying for services provided through online systems. Discussion includes the following topics: metering devices; electronic/digital cash; working within existing banking/credit card structures; provision of payment mechanisms in countries without extensive credit card usage; and…

Describes public and private online networks and the characteristics of electronic mail. Reviews the literature on survey research conducted via electronic mail, and examines the issues of design, implementation, and response. A table displays advantages and disadvantages of electronic mail surveys. (AEF)

Compares compact discs (CD-ROMs) and online services in terms of cost of information delivery; system advantages and disadvantages; future possibilities; and role in the National Information Infrastructure. Analysis reveals that CD-ROMs have the lowest information delivery cost and are endorsed by the marketplace as a cost-effective way to deliver…

Examines the knowledge construction processes of novice programmers using parentheses and quotes in hypermedia; identifies characteristics of successful and unsuccessful students working off- and on-line. The strategies of perceptual matching and computer feedback were used in both settings to interpret of the information presented. (Author/AEF)

Contains 11 articles that describe different university access systems designed and built to provide access to journals via The University Licensing Program (TULIP), a science journal access project, involving Elsevier Science Publishing and major universities. The project produced insights to help with future electronic information delivery…

Discusses the uses and benefits of a centralized, computer operated media retrieval system for school audiovisual equipment and collections. Advantages of these systems include: keyword searching of the database; online scheduling; the ability to pick and choose specific clips for viewing; capability for computer- generated use statistics; and…

Reviews opportunities and market strategies for doing business on the Internet for businesses and customers in the information industry, and discusses uses of the Internet in the library and education field. Topics include: merchandising online electronic publishing; book sales; newspaper and periodical publishing; and selling products, computer…

Describes the experience of creating a remote exploratorium by combining network media with design environments to support distance learning; the Agentsheets Remote Exploratorium provides learners access to interactive exhibits via the World Wide Web. Discusses issues of reliability, communication, and efficiency. (AEF)

Reviews literature about cataloging large microform sets. Subjects include: determination of location by remote users of online catalogs, guidelines for prioritizing cataloging of unanalyzed and underused microform collections, catalog versus finding aid, and catalog credibility. (JKP)

Describes presentations made at a forum on automation, interlibrary loan (ILL), and document delivery sponsored by the Houston Area Library Consortium. Highlights include access versus ownership; software for ILL; fee-based services; automated management systems for ILL; and electronic mail and online systems for end-user-generated ILL requests.…

Describes new products that relate to document delivery, including a wireless electronic mail connection; multivendor office integration software to exchange electronic mail; analog film recorders; an electronic messaging system for personal computer local area networks; software for transferring data files; voice message delivery systems; and…