Describes compact disk technology in general and possible library applications, including cataloging, online bibliographic searching, and full text searching, and compares the purchase of optical disk packages to traditional online services. Guidelines are provided for evaluating optical disks which focus on the size of the database, updating…

Describes an evaluation of EasyNet, a menu-driven, dial access information system, in which end users conducted their own searches. User comments are discussed in terms of user friendliness, user satisfaction, user problems, and value for money. (Author/CLB)

Describes the computer literacy requirement of the Professional Teacher Preparation Program at Arizona State University. Highlights include microcomputer-based software used; word processing; database skills; spreadsheet tasks; teacher utilities for producing graphic materials, generating tests and practice exercises, and keeping records; and…

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Outlines three lessons designed to increase students' involvement in social studies classes, excerpted from the author's book, COMPUTERS, CURRICULUM, AND WHOLE-CLASS INSTRUCTION. Student surveys, supported by database and/or graphing software, are used to study immigration, banking and technology, and interpreting graphs and bias in information.…

Describes a computer simulation game and database package, "Palestine in the First Century," developed for upper primary and secondary school religious education in Scotland and designed for use on a microcomputer with a printer. The effect of this type of software on the role of teachers and students is considered. (Author/LRW)

Considers computer-based technology as a change agent for methodological emphasis in the use of language learning applications; examines the issues of language learning methodology, the relationship of methodology and computer-based technology, and changes in institutional learning environments; and highlights some of the computer-aided language…

Describes DIALTWIG, a program written in IBM PASCAL and operating on IBM Personal Computer, which is used to emulate features of DIALOG Retrieval System and reduce cost of online training. Structured search assignments are performed on information science database and database reporting student research at Brigham Young University. (4 references)…

Basis for systematic computerization of academic research library's reference, collection development, and collection management functions emphasizes productivity enhancement for librarians and support staff. Use of microcomputer and university's mainframe computer to develop applications of database management systems, electronic spreadsheets,…

Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

Reviews the literature on user studies in both online catalogs and bibliographic retrieval systems. User problems with both mechanical and conceptual aspects are reviewed and potential sources of problems due either to individual characteristics or system variables are discussed. Possible solutions and areas that need further research are noted.…

This study evaluates 35 federal and privately sponsored databases that report national education statistics in terms of their potential for informing policy deliberations. It argues that for all the national data collected, information is lacking on several major concerns, is often inadequate statistically, and is sometimes contradictory. Various…

The administrator of the library of the future will be concerned with costs of new services, while the scholar will see a knowledge explosion within his or her own lifetime. Librarians must help scholars stay informed of new developments in their respective disciplines and teach them new techniques to access materials. (CDD)

The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles established a computerized database in 1980 to evaluate the clinical experiences of its students. The design of the patient data system, the computerization process, the implementation of the program, and its applications are discussed.…

Using OCLC-MARC tape records, master records were created for collection management reports at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to help evaluate collection growth by type of material, location, and subject, based upon LC call number. The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was run against records to generate information for special purposes. (9…