Comments on significant steps that have contributed to current level of bibliographic control of social science machine-readable data files (MRDF). Problems to be considered before MRDF can be integrated into existing bibliographic utilities are outlined. Twenty references and MARC format, catalog entry, and data abstract for an MRDF are appended.…

Reviews programs aimed toward building of national database--RECON Working Task Force's Study of feasibility of converting the retrospective records of the Library of Congress, Cooperative MARC (COMARC), REMARC, and CONSER (continuing effort to build national database of serial records). Current efforts contributing to the evolving network are…

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of different types of term combination using the positional logic capability of online information retrieval systems and describes a study in which searches for material on "microwave integrated circuits" were conducted in order to find the most economical way of generating the most relevant…

Describes two new information services made available through Bibliographic Retrieval Services (a provider of online computer search services) which respond to the demand among educators for access to practical information on instructional activities, materials, and administrative practices. The design and operation of the services are discussed.…

Introduces HARFAX Industry Data Sources, a bibliographic database which provides access to international sources of statistics on 60 key industries. Criteria for inclusion of material in the database, indexing policy, and uses of the database are discussed. Sample searches are illustrated and exhibits containing facts on the file are attached.…

Identifies the advantages and limitations of online search services offered by libraries, cautioning the searcher and user to consider and evaluate all options before performing online search. The librarian's responsibility to solve the user's information problem in a desirable way is discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Comments based on actual reference use of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--formerly BALLOTS--in a library environment focus on RLIN files, interlibrary loan, search keys, and subject searches. This article updates a description of BALLOTS as it was developed by Stanford University to support cataloging and acquisitions (Online,…

Discusses the 1976 copyright law with respect to its impact on videotex technology and addresses the problems of copyright for collections of data, exclusive rights of copyright holders, notice and deposit, and regulation. Three related court decisions are also examined. (Author/JJD)

Describes innovative pricing structure consisting of low connect time fee, print fees, and search fees, offered by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) ONLINE--an online searching system used to locate chemical substances. Pricing options considered by CAS, the search-based pricing approach, and users' reactions to pricing structures are noted. (EJS)

Offers overview of research in progress information systems which provide information on projects between inception and published reports, discussing demise of Smithsonian Science Information Exchange (SSIE), and efforts of National Technical Information Service to maintain SSIE files. A listing of 28 research in progress information systems and…

Describes the Reference and Adult Services Division's Outstanding Reference Sources Committee procedures for preparation of the 1979 listing, discusses expansion to include nonbook sources, and provides a retrospective list of nonbook sources selected by the 1979-80 committee. Nonbook sources include microforms and databases. Six references are…

Discusses the issues involved in the development of bilingual access to Spanish and bilingual materials held by libraries serving the Spanish speaking, with special reference to California. A progress report on the endeavors of the California Spanish Language Data Base is given. Four references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Reviews the development of secondary information services in the arts and humanities, discusses the services currently provided and the usage levels for those services, outlines some of the problems associated with online databases in the humanities, and considers some probable future developments. A 5-item reference list is included. (JL)

Describes the online version of Comprehensive Dissertation Index as it is searchable through the DIALOG system. File content, searchable indexes, and particular features of the file such as online sorting of retrieved citations and text backup are discussed. Accompanying the text are 13 figures illustrating system features and two sample searches.…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system at the elementary school level in which pupils can access information by subject, author, or title as in a standard card catalog. (CHC)