Results of work of Centre for Catalogue Research into usability of library catalogs with different levels of content of entries and users' needs for bibliographic data elements suggest that much information normally included in catalog entry is rarely used, and its inclusion makes catalog use difficult. Twelve references are provided. (EJS)

Research conducted at Fisher Library, University of Sydney, which measured user failure to locate known items in catalog or on shelves, yielded overall failure rate of 35.9 percent (26.2 percent at catalog; 46.1 percent at shelf). User errors caused two-thirds of failures at catalog and more than half at shelf. Fifteen references are provided.…

Suggests that the continued effectiveness of microformat library tools depends upon quality standards in the design of micropublications, the facilities in which they are used, and the reading/printing equipment they are used on. The "ideal" features of microform tools are described and a 131-entry reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Considers the impact of Remote Electronic Access and Delivery of Information (READI) upon library services, discusses the uses of online public access information systems in a library setting, describes videotex systems currently in use, and outlines possibilities for the creation of local databases, automatic borrowing of books, and other…

From the library's viewpoint, collection growth and the need to frequently update index terms make automation almost inevitable. But this triumph of technology over print is hard on scholars, who find microforms and printouts difficult to read and who cannot browse a database like a shelf or card catalog. (SJL)

Analysis of requests received at the Pharmaceutical Information Center of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science contributes to: (1) the task of educational planning for health-science professionals, (2) identification of pharmaceutical literature retrieval skills needed, and (3) identification of sources which contain information…

The integration of data processing and word processing is seen as a new frontier for Management Information Systems. A system developed by the University of Massachusetts for the admissions office is described. Online admissions system, data processing overview, word processing interface, and System/6 programing aspects are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Presents results of a study on user needs, sources used, and search successes. Illustrates that despite increasing competition from other information sources available to the public--such as consumer media and the Internet--libraries are still a primary source of information and education for the American public. (AEF)

To help instructors teach students basic information retrieval skills, librarians at the University of Toledo (OH) developed a bibliographic instruction program, "Teach the Teachers," to be used in the English department's composition classes. This article discusses the development of the program and cooperation between librarians and…

Describes the comparative approach to system evaluation used in a project which administered an online retrieval test to an experimental online catalog to produce data for evaluating effectiveness of a new subject access design. Discusses efforts used to ensure data reliability, and strategies the researchers can use to improve on the data…

Describes the Electronic Resources Directory of Monash University (Melbourne, Australia), designed for locating electronic resources of the library. It both provides information about these resources as well as direct links to them where appropriate. Use of the World Wide Web for the directory has obvious advantages for a university where global…

Discusses the importance of students learning and practicing effective questions in a manner that leads to organizing how information is to be searched, retrieved and sorted. Outlines ways school library media specialists should engage students in question-generating and in learning to research answers to questions. (AEF)

Reviews the historical development of online information in libraries, including computers, software, and networks. Highlights include quotes from leaders in the field; the end-user movement; commercial products from vendors; the spread of the Internet and its effects on online companies and searchers; options on the World Wide Web; and future…

An article and four sidebars examine tools that help information professionals perform efficient Internet searches. Topics include search engine features, integrated software applications, document management and creation utilities, the speed of online communications, intelligent agents for filtering information, cross-platform networking…

Describes a study that investigated the value of various access points in online catalog records by determining their usefulness to searchers who requested location information for items. Results of a transaction log analysis of the Illinois Library Computer Systems Office online union catalog for 45 academic libraries are discussed. (LRW)