Describes book ordering procedures at a German pharmaceutical library using the Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (EDIFACT) guidelines developed by the United Nations. Topics include advantages for libraries and for the book trade, changes needed in software, productivity gains, and EDIFACT versus the Internet.…

Explores ways for librarians to improve search strategies in a globally networked computing environment. Discusses browsing versus more structured search strategies; thinking processes and information-seeking processes; supplementing the traditional reference interview with computer-based reference assistants; models for automating the reference…

Describes how a library, with an MCI Corporation grant, approached the process of setting up computers for the visually impaired. Discusses preparations, which included hiring a visually-impaired user as a consultant and contacting the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) group; equipment; problems with the graphical user interface; and training.…

Presents three perspectives on the future of library acquisitions. Discussion includes changing roles of academic administrators and acquisition librarians; acquisitions management and the role of the digital library; and technological development and the professional character of acquisitions. (AEF)

The WEBrary(R) databases at the Morton Grove Public Library (Illinois) provide patron-accessible searchable databases, easily available over the library's Web site. Database offerings include the locally maintained Song Collection Index, Obituary Index, Continuations Listings, On-Order files, topical and personalized New Acquisitions files, and…

Question Master (QM) is a decision-support system automating some more routine, fact-type reference questions encountered by guiding librarians through a set of clarifying questions before recommending appropriate print or electronic resource from WorldCat, the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) Online Union Catalog. This study found that the…

Explains videotex, discusses its usefulness in disseminating large quantities of information via computer, and describes the use of videotex at the Glaxo, Inc., library where it is used for a daily news service and newsletters. An evaluation of the videotex services is reported, including usage statistics and results of a library survey. (Contains…

Explains the development of library networks in Florida and the role of the state library. Topics include regional multitype library consortia; a statewide bibliographic database; interlibrary loan; Internet access in public libraries; government information, including remote public access; automation projects; telecommunications; and free-nets.…

Describes the development of library technology and the need for telecommunications in a state with a lack of population density. Topics include the state library's role; shared library resources and library networks; government information; the Wyoming State Home Page on the World Wide Web; Ariel software; network coordinating; and central…

Discusses the value of school library automation, and suggests that an automated school library is the right of every child and teacher. Examines the role of the teacher librarian in the current environment; advantages of Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs); and trends towards greater convergence in information technology applications in the…

Provides a brief history of library cooperation in America, with emphasis on the latter half of the 20th century. Identifies motives for library cooperation, potential obstacles and keys to success, as well as a nexus between service quality improvement and library cooperation. Describes the role of library consortia in the current electronic…

Implementing any new service or technology can require a process of trial and error. Often, it is useful to introduce the service as a pilot project, so that the staffing issues and technical details can be worked out prior to fullscale implementation. This is especially important at times when staffing and/or budgetary circumstances are…

Purpose: To share the experiences and challenges faced by the Open University Library (OUL) in developing a content management (CM) system for its subject guides. Design/methodology/approach: A summary of multi-format subject guide production at the OUL is provided to justify the decision to develop a new system for their production using a…

Reference services are in the midst of evolutionary changes. At a time when budgets are shrinking, traditional models of service and print reference formats are being questioned. This article discusses future directions of academic reference collections in terms of the apparent shift from print to electronic reference sources. Questions addressed…

Automated Essay Scoring (AES) is defined as the computer technology that evaluates and scores the written prose (Shermis & Barrera, 2002; Shermis & Burstein, 2003; Shermis, Raymat, & Barrera, 2003). AES systems are mainly used to overcome time, cost, reliability, and generalizability issues in writing assessment (Bereiter, 2003; Burstein,…