Reviews three types of online bibliographic retrieval studies: evaluation studies, including online service costs, manual versus online searching and vendor comparison; use and user studies, examining various populations; and projects designed to improve user access and user aids, such as vocabulary search aids and inter-system compatibility.…

Explores ways in which library instruction programs and database searching services offered by academic libraries can become more interactive and mutually supportive. Specific attention is paid to opportunities for integrating library instruction with database searching. Student motivation and faculty support are among the topics discussed. A…

Describes the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems with secondary school students in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. (Author/LLS)

Described is a marine education materials clearinghouse, the Marine Education Materials System (MEMS). MEMS classifies marine education documents and reproduces them on microfiche for distribution. There are 25 distribution centers, each of which has a collection of documents and provides assistance on a request basis to teachers. (Author/DS)

Extension personnel must learn how to use computer technology to provide information for decision making, to store and retrieve publications and information quickly and accurately, and to help people learn new things. The author suggests possible applications of computer technology to program needs in the extension service. (MF)

Discusses the feasibility and describes the implementation of small scale periodical index database searching operations for library reference service. The general description, with examples from a small liberal arts college, presents a favorable balance between search service benfits and potential costs. (RAA)

Describes some procedures designed to assist instructors in developing a research component using the computer. Benefits include development of research skills, kindling student interest in the field of political science, and recruitment potential. (Author/CK)

Two experiments, involving 90 first-grade children, were conducted to test a retrieval-inefficiency explanation for the failure of visual imagery to facilitate young children's prose recall. (Author/MP)

This SPSS crosstab analysis of client response to the microfiche card catalog at the University of Oregon, which utilizes a "basic" or "frozen" catalog and supplements, considers such variables as microfiche use, academic status, and distance from the card catalog. (CWM)

Reviews the need for pairing computer and videodisc technology to represent and organize complex information and to provide learners with more powerful tools for learning and problem solving. Both the instructional applications and economics of intelligent videodisc are noted, as is the effort of the National Science Foundation to support such…

Examines current problems and future roles of libraries in facilitating the growth of knowledge, and discusses the regulative role of price mechanism, autonomy, and centralism, given the role of criticism and the problem-solving nature of research. Issues discussed are examined against national library and information services planning proposals.…

The SIRO (Systematic Information Retrieval/Organization) World Wide Web search strategy offers a research planning process designed for information seekers in the agricultural disciplines. The process starts with the identification of the information structure on the Web, then organizes and analyzes information in a visual diagram. This leads…

Users in this study of two Web browsers had significantly higher success with Internet Explorer than with Netscape Navigator, made a variety of errors in several tasks, and those reporting higher self-confidence had significantly higher success scores. Results confirm the expectation that affective and cognitive measures add valuable user-centered…

Discusses changes of focus, or interaction shifts, (readily observed in mediated database searching) between search intermediaries and users during information retrieval interactions. Presents results in terms of frequency of shifts in each interaction; classification scheme for shifts; frequency of shifts for each class; and intensity of focus on…

Reports findings from a study investigating the information seeking and information needs of low income African American households in Dallas, Texas. Three hundred households were surveyed; results show information seeking behavior, particularly with regard to employment, health, news, and security issues. (Author/AEF)