Examines two databases--MEDLINE and ABI/INFORM--as currently implemented on laserdisk, commercial systems, and local time-sharing in the University of Pennsylvania libraries. The direct costs to the library of installing and operating the three formats are analyzed, and costs and benefits to users are discussed, including comparisons of the…

A survey of 123 users at the National Agricultural Library and Purdue University showed that, for most measures of acceptability, users preferred online or digital videodisc versions of the Pork Industry Handbook to the printed version. User characteristics were examined as factors that might influence responses. (Author/MES)

Reports the results of research that used descriptor subfiles in the online version of "MLA Bibliography" to quantify literary warrant in the domain of scholarly work about fiction. Topics discussed include domain analysis; the interaction between literary works, scholars, and library classification systems; and further research…

Description of the ERIC database covers suggested uses for teachers, students, parents, and researchers; information available in ERIC; how to access ERIC, including through the Internet; the AskERIC service that is available through the Internet; and steps for searching the database. A directory of ERIC clearinghouses is also included. (LRW)

Reviews the creation and implementation of a pilot program at Northern Arizona University's Center for Excellence in Education that delivered instruction to graduate students via America Online. Discusses the program's interactive teaching/learning processes and the benefits of the communication medium, instructional materials, and instructor…

Discussion of evidence-based medicine (EBM) focuses on information tools to facilitate the practice of EBM that were developed, evaluated, and made more accessible by the McMaster University (Canada) Faculty of Health Sciences. Highlights include users' guides to medical literature, strategies for improving MEDLINE searches, new journals, and…

Discusses the availability of virtual communities on the Internet. Stresses that there are online environments for nearly everyone, and offers advice for those designing new communities by relating experiences from the development of the specialized MediaMOO, a multiuser dungeon. Discusses restricting access, shaping development of the community,…

Describes how some K-12 teachers became moderators of educational telecommunication projects, and presents results of a survey of 100 moderators about their roles. Reviews types of networks that provide online learning environments: electronic bulletin boards, Internet lists, World Wide Web, and networks. Tables list expressions that describe…

Provides Internet connections related to feature stories in this issue. Gives search tips to use on the Internet, lists Net addresses where additional information on feature article topics can be found, and briefly discusses resources given. Topics include the solar system, children's literature, phonics and whole language, and writing. (ET)

Describes a beginning Internet course at Mankato State University (Minnesota) designed for preservice and inservice school library media professionals and students. The course addresses the following topics: electronic mail; LISTSERVs; news services; gophering; FTP; and telneting. Other skills such as downloading and locating resources are also…

Lists resources useful for school library media specialists and other individual users of the Internet as well as some that can be used to teach others. Titles include background and philosophical contexts, journals, network access and service providers, ERIC resources, fiction, videos, textbooks, and the U.S. Department of Education Online…

Presents a guide for selecting an optional disc system. Highlights include storage hierarchy; standards; data life cycles; security; implementing an optical jukebox system; optimizing the system; performance; quality and reliability; software; cost of online versus near-line; and growing opportunities. Sidebars provide additional information on…

Four conference presenters involved in consumer online services present information on new products both under development and in the process of implementation, commenting on technological, content, distribution, and consumer service issues. Products and companies discussed are eWorld (Apple Computer Europe); Olivetti Telemedia; CompuServe; and…

A project demonstrated the feasibility of accessing library information (online public access catalogs, commercial online databases, Internet) from a distance using handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with cellular communication capability. The study is described, and other uses of wireless communications in libraries and…

Describes the ELINOR (Electronic Library INformation Online Retrieval) electronic library project, which contains a large collection of full-text, high-use materials, including books, journals, course materials, and multimedia learning packages. Focuses on user aspects of the database; system architecture; copyright management; and collection,…