A workbook for library instruction was revised using computer-generated examples selected randomly and tailored to six general subject areas. The new version (1) increased the challenge to students; (2) improved student attitudes; (3) increased contact with reference staff; (4) reduced possibility of sharing answers; and (5) was easier to update.…

Citation analysis of a systematic sample of 27 historical and historiographic articles was used to study the citation patterns of secondary sources in the history of technology. These patterns are compared with previous citation studies in history and other humanities areas and with multi-disciplinary citation studies in the social sciences.…

Student interest in computing and computer services on campus is causing colleges to rewrite brochures, but student misinformation or lack of knowledge about computing remains a problem. (MSE)

Describes features of several kinds of research in library science, sociology, education, and literature that focus on children's literature. Examples of studies in these fields are summarized, and the subject of child abuse in children's books is used as an example of current research. (32 references) (MES)

Discusses the changing perception of information from a public good to a private commodity and the implications of this change for information providers and users. The situation in Australia is described, including the government's emerging policy on information as a commodity and its effects on libraries and users. (25 notes with references) (CLB)

Describes the conspectus collection evaluation process and its utility to smaller libraries, as demonstrated by the Library and Information Resources for the Northwest project. The discussion includes the costs of this method in staff time, the value of a completed conspectus, and problems with the methodology. (13 notes with references) (CLB)

Examination of the importance of management in library schools discusses two problem areas in the library school environment--the parent university and society beyond the university. The need for strategic planning which includes an assessment of the environment is emphasized. (Six references) (MES)

An analysis of the Journal of the American Society for Information Science (1970-84) examined (1) the nature of information science; (2) the relationship between information and library science; (3) whether information science is a new branch of science; (4) the relationship between information science and scientific information; and (5) whether a…

Presents several alternative approaches to the traditional research paper for teaching research and library skills. (MM)

Describes the experiences of the American Society for Training and Development library with the CD-ROM version of ERIC. The following topics are discussed: (1) installation of the CD-ROM system; (2) CD-ROM vs. online searching; (3) cost/benefit of CD-ROM; (4) patron response; and (5) future plans. (1 reference) (MES)

Reports on a study of the information-seeking behavior of users of Infotrac, OCLC, Newsbank Electronic Index, and LS/2 at the Bowling Green State University Libraries. Data gathered via interviews are discussed as they pertain to the user's profile; understanding of systems functions; effects on information-seeking behavior; and appropriateness of…

A study of the information world of custodial workers at a large university in the South revealed: (1) information needs in the areas of health, career opportunities, and interpersonal relationships; (2) little information exchange among workers; and (3) little use of the public library. The interview schedule is appended. (51 references) (MES)

Describes the power of queuing models as a source of detailed, expected performance measures for online catalogs. An illustration of such a performance analysis is provided, and its value to library administrators is discussed. (9 notes with references) (CLB)

Describes a study which examined (1) the percentage of personal and corporate name authority records in the Library of Congress authority file that do not contain any references, and (2) the percentage of references present on existing authority records that are not needed in an automatic right hand truncation, keyword searching environment. (CLB)

Describes the experiences of the University of Southern California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Biomedical Library in testing MEDLINE on CD-ROM. Preparations for testing are discussed, as well as patron response to the system, measured by evaluation forms, and implications for libraries providing new technological tools for patrons. (MES)