Argues that library skills and methods used for organization of information are needed to organize Internet information resources. Four aspects of information organization are discussed: recording existence and identity of information bearing entities; acquiring these entities; providing name, title, subject, and other access information; and…

Highlights the changes that have occurred from 1987-93 in database access systems. Topics addressed include types of databases, including CD-ROMs; enduser interface; database selection; database access management, including library instruction and use of primary literature; economic issues; database users; the search process; and improving…

Reports the results of a survey of Croatian researchers in seven scientific disciplines that was conducted to identify their preferred channels of information and to determine interdisciplinary variations in communication behavior. Highlights include information retrieval practices, major information sources, attendance at national and…

Thirteen learning-handicapped junior high students and 15 nonhandicapped peers conducted fact retrieval tasks. Highest retrieval success was attained with a menu-driven electronic encyclopedia, followed by print encyclopedia and command-driven electronic encyclopedia. Higher success levels were found when tasks were assigned rather than…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Illinois to test the effectiveness of subject access in the online bibliographic catalog. Relevance is examined and possible methods of improving subject access are described. Results suggest that significant improvements are not possible within the constraints of existing subject cataloging…

Presents a selective survey of cognitive assumptions informing experiential variation as a platform for consideration of contextual information seeking and the implications for providers of information. Information professionals must bridge intellectual and experiential differences in delivering needed information. Librarians must be literate…

Describes the newly installed optical disk storage system at the Naval Research Laboratory's Research Library and Technical Information Center. Planning and design of the system, the conversion of 140,000 reports to optical disk, the information retrieval process, and future plans are covered. (Contains nine references.) (KRN)

Outlines problems involved in information retrieval evaluation and suggests a more user-centered interpretive approach. A longitudinal study that examines evaluation through the information-seeking behavior of 22 case studies of actual users is described; and relevance judgments, effectiveness ratios, and analysis of document failures are…

Describes strategies for effectively using the Internet in the classroom given low (no classroom terminal), medium (a single classroom terminal), and high levels (multiple terminals or stations per classroom) of online access. Provides basic instructions for using a Web browser for research. Includes outline chart of suggested strategies. (DSK)

Assesses the publication impact of a digital library of aerospace scientific and technical information through usage statistics and citation analysis. Examines the Langley Technical Report Server available on the World Wide Web, compares usage with the hardcopy distribution center, and suggests retrieval analysis as a complementary metric to…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of cognitive style (field dependent and field independent) and online database search experience (novice and experienced) on undergraduate World Wide Web search performance. Considers user factors to predict search efficiency and discusses implications for Web interface design and user training…

This study, based on a survey of 40 library/information science students and observations made from online information retrieval instruction, focuses on information receiving, one of the three primary modes of the Information Process. Compares the modes of the Information Process and examines the role of the World Wide Web. (Author/AEF)

Traces the development of information retrieval/services and suggests that the creation of large digital libraries seems inevitable. Examines possibilities for increasing electronic access and the role of artificial intelligence. Highlights include: searching full text; sending full texts; selective dissemination of information (SDI) profiling and…

"The Research Assistant," was developed to help graduate students and faculty manage the quantity of available information, to be able to read it, synthesize it, and create new insights and knowledge. "The Research Assistant" was designed using the Filemaker Pro relational database and can be set up in a networked environment to be used in…

Examined the information-seeking processes of junior high school students from Inuvik, Northwest Territories (Canada) when using CD-ROM encyclopedias. Results showed that students need instruction and practice to develop skills and strategies for full-text searching, particularly generating search terms, selecting topics from a retrieved list, and…