Describes a study that investigated fifth-grade children's search behavior using an automated library catalog designed for children called the Science Library Catalog. Level of science domain knowledge was found to influence both their success and search behavior. (Author/LRW)

This study assessed the impact of a course on information resources for engineers at the University of Michigan. Questionnaires were sent to 60 students who had taken the class and 60 who had not. Results indicated that students who had taken the course identified more resources, rated college and public libraries higher, and spent more time…

Describes the online public access catalog training sessions for library faculty and staff at Purdue University, focusing on the design and results of a survey developed to assess training effectiveness. Results of the survey, which are included, showed a need for reinforcing practice sessions. (five references) (EA)

The first of two articles on multiuser access to CD-ROM databases examines options that do not involve a local area network (LAN). Hardware and software requirements, advantages, and disadvantages for several alternatives are described. A product and company directory is included. (MES)

Reviews student use of electronic searching tools and the effect of software changes on user satisfaction and success. Discusses the results of two surveys of InfoTrac users before and after software changes at Northern Illinois University, and proposes three strategies systems developers can take to balance the differing needs of sophisticated…

Argues that the prevalence of computer searching in the academic library has redefined bibliographic instruction and that hands-on instruction in a computer classroom or laboratory setting addresses student needs better than lecture demonstrations. Calls for librarians to actively seek out hands-on opportunities and to keep communication lines…

Describes how the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, implemented information and library services to its primarily rural distance education students using information brokering and document delivery via the university's computer network, voice mail, and telefacsimile. The positive student response in light of the special needs of Alaskan Native…

Addresses three issues raised by Ann Irving in her article in this yearbook: the unique contributions of a librarian to the processes of teaching and learning; the deskilling of the librarian; and the future of the school library media professional. Information literacy and the influence of information technologies are also discussed. (LRW)

Analyzes the content of the research section of "School Library Media Annual" (SLMA) since it began in 1983. Highlights include numbers of pages devoted to research; structure of the SLMA; numbers of documents, dissertations, and articles cited; research reported through the ERIC system; research reviews; and research needs. (LRW)

Reports on the activities of the Society of School Librarians International (SSLI) during 1991. Topics discussed include legislative activities; congressional awards; continuing education opportunities; the annual conference; book awards; and election of officers. (LRW)

Describes a study at the California State University at Chico library that was conducted to determine the success of the ERIC database on CD-ROM as a retrieval tool. The results of user interviews are summarized, surveys of reference librarians are reviewed, and cost considerations are examined. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses CD-ROM searching at the University of Charleston; reports the results of a user survey that was conducted to evaluate use of the CD-ROM databases; and describes the design and development of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program that explains the basics of searching, retrieving, and printing records using SilverPlatter. (LRW)

Argues that advanced networks, particularly BITNET, NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), Internet, and NREN (National Research and Education Network) can simplify global networking as well as library functions and interfaces; provide easier and more cost-effective connection of the research and education communities; and transport very…

Presents the results of research into the automatic selection of Library of Congress Classification numbers based on the titles and subject headings in MARC records from a test database at the University of California at Berkeley Library School library. Classification clustering and matching techniques are described. (44 references) (LRW)

It is argued that, with the emergence of new technologies, the traditional missions and "domains" of academic libraries and campus computing services need to be adjusted to support collaboration. Specific collaborative projects linked to strategic plans are recommended over forced mergers or overly ambitious multigoal projects. (MSE)