Describes a study that examined novice online searchers in an academic library as they used a full-text magazine article database on DIALOG. Purposes and motivations for using the database are discussed; affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor search behaviors are examined; and satisfaction with the results are considered. (LRW)

While college libraries embrace new technologies to provide access to a broader range of information, they must also cope with high costs, both financial and legal. In the print medium, access and distribution are governed by copyright laws; in the electronic media, they are dependent on the technology available to the library and on terms of…

Plans to upgrade the nation's telecommunication infrastructure should include provisions for expanding public and affordable educational services. Suggests a "Corporation for Public Telecommunications," modeled after the "Corporation for Public Broadcasting," that could help provide services that would benefit education, health care, social…

Describes the development of a computer-supported cooperative problem-solving environment designed to help librarians and remote access users work together in performing an online search. Results of a study of graduate students indicate that groups using the computer demonstrated more effective skills than those performing the same tasks face to…

Explores the utility of the intersection of genre theory and cognitive psychology in providing a meaningful framework for analysis and design purposes. Reports results of research into the elements of genre that influence users of digital documents and provides examples of the usefulness of this analysis in Web-based environments. (Author/AEF)

Examines the information-seeking behavior of academics in South Africa, presenting a survey conducted at the University of Zululand. Presents results in 9 tables in terms of: rank and position; information resources used; how knowledge of existence of information sources is gained; generation of professional ideas; why academics seek information;…

Investigates criteria correlated with the promotion of public librarians based on questionnaire responses from 90 public librarians. Compares the placement and promotion rates for white librarians and librarians of color, as well as for males and females, and discusses further research needs, plateauing, continuing education, and internships. (LRW)

Presents a methodology for analyzing patterns of usage of a Web-based library catalog and evaluates the methodology with data collected from the transaction logs of the Web interface version of the University of California's Melvyl Systemwide Library Catalog. Results revealed major differences in usage (number of searches, search time, number of…

Provides a comparative overview of manpower development and training for library and information services (LIS) in Africa. Surveys and explores the curricula, programs, accreditation, resources, fieldwork, continuing education, trainees and trainers, and problems, and a list of LIS education institutions in Africa is appended. (Author/LRW)

Identified factors that motivated different types of Canadian high school students in different content areas to complete assigned research projects successfully. Preliminary findings identified access to information, task perception and understanding, the research purpose, and time as factors that encouraged students to complete their…

Discussion of ethical and social responsibility issues that are raised in "Information Power II: Partnerships for Learning" (ALA, 1998) focuses on plagiarism, especially from the Internet. Presents ideas helpful to library media specialists and teachers, including suggestions for prevention when assigning research papers; and includes…

Explains federal standards that libraries can use to make Web sites accessible to users with disabilities. Describes Section 508 standards from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; types of disabilities to consider, including vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive impairments, and seizure disorders; graphics; and conflicting interpretations of the law.…

A reflection of what was happening in the field of information science, writing in the Journal of the American Society for Information Science (JASIS) has become specialized to the point of excluding readers outside a narrow circle. A plea is made for JASIS to address a wider audience, because other subject disciplines, as well as industry, could…

Describes primary source materials available through the Federal Depository Library Program, including oral histories, interviews, letters, diaries, journals, and autobiographies. Includes an annotated bibliography of 90 titles as well as a subject index to the titles. (LRW)

Describes the development by the Alexandria Digital Library of a gazetteer (dictionary of geographic names) composed of a Gazetteer Content Standard, a Feature Type Thesaurus, and an operational interactive gazetteer service. Illustrates the use of this tool in a georeferenced digital library and relates progress in working with Federal agencies…