The current status of MELVYL, the University of California's prototype online catalog, is described in a hypothetical conversation between the catalog and several users. Examples illustrate features of the two search modes available for this patron-accessed system: COMMAND for the novice, and the more sophisticated LOOKUP. (RBF)

Discusses the evolution of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC), an organization which undertakes the supportive service of encouraging instructional computing activity in schools and colleges throughout the state. MECC's role in developing a statewide time-sharing network and in supporting large scale acquisition of…

Discusses the problems involved in locating information sources that provide evaluative reports, summaries, and/or reviews of print and nonprint materials. Guides to selection processes and to reviewing sources are reviewed, as well as tools for accessing information through manual and computerized searching, sources for media information, and for…

Describes the creation and integration of a microfiche catalog into an online computer system for bibliographic control in a university library. Results from two experimental tests are described which demonstrated the feasibility of the system, and costs and operation times are evaluated. Tables of data are included. (Author/BK)

Reports on a four-year study of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in which microcomputers were used in individual college classrooms as interactive instructional systems. Discusses students' feelings about CAI, the computer hardware and software, and the lesson models involved. (Author/RW)

Describes the objectives, testing, procedures, and effects on document delivery systems of the OCLC interlibrary loan (ILL) subsystem, an uncoordinated national ILL network which provides users with immediate access to the OCLC On-Line Union Catalog, the ILL Transaction File, and the ILL Message Waiting File. (CWM)

Higher-education administrators are alerted to the advent of the microprocessor and the capabilities of desk computers. The potential use of the microcomputer in administrative decision making, efficiency, and resource allocation are reviewed briefly. (MSE)

Describes a method for estimating the number of cathode ray tube terminals needed for public use of an online library catalog. Authors claim method could also be used to estimate needed numbers of microform readers for a computer output microform (COM) catalog. Formulae are included. (Author/JD)

Describes features of a new type of chemical database which provides the ability to search for substances sharing particular structural characteristics. Search concepts are examined in detail, and menu selection of "screens," system commands, and interpretation of results (which appear in the form of chemical bond structures) are…

This examination of the acquisitions services offered by networks, the not-for-profit bibliographic services, stresses significant characteristics inherent in their structure and functions, and contrasts advantages and disadvantages for individual libraries. (Author/RAA)

Presents background information on DOBIS (an online library system) evaluation, software acquisition, and development, and describes the status and plans for DOBIS in the Canadian government. Appendices provide an overview of the Canadian government version of the system from a librarian's and a systems analyst's perspective. (CWM)

Discusses issues regarding training for computer-based reference services, including who is to be trained and who is responsible for training, and summarizes the training offered to date by search service suppliers, database suppliers, library schools, and extension programs. Available training materials are also considered. (Author/FM)

Describes on-line services provided by the Educational Materials Laboratory of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools for students and school staff desiring access to the ERIC data base, as well as a network operation for county residents. (CMV)

The utility of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system is criticized, based upon (1) difficulties in computerized retrieval of literature on evaluation; (2) the fact that few items listed in a bibliography on evaluation (RIE: ED 166 244) were included in the ERIC data base. (See also RIE: ED 160 664). (GDC)

Examines the searching environment at Amoco Research Center as it affects the performance of online searching, regardless of the subject matter of the search itself. A comparison of general search strategies using various models is also presented. (CWM)