This text provides a solid introduction to the foundations of research methods, with the goal of enabling students and professionals in the field of applied linguistics to become not just "casual" consumers of research who passively read bits and pieces of a research article, but "discerning" consumers able to effectively use published research…

Describes how group of end users (engineering undergraduates) at Chalmers University of Technology were trained to perform interactive online searching on BYGGDOK, a small, specialized Scandinavian database. Goals and objectives of the instruction, teaching methods, evaluation, and comparison of searching between end users and intermediaries are…

Strategies, heuristics, and tradeoffs involved in online searching of bibliographic citation networks are discussed using results from field of citation analysis to describe mathematical structure of citation networks. Discussion of two studies of human information seeking behavior examines the search question and interconnectivity of the…

Training and Educational Data Services, Inc. (TEDS), which began as a CETA-funded project in 1981, has become a nonprofit corporation "owned" by various educational and state agencies, providing students with numerous means of access to vocational guidance information. Discusses local files, specific usage/marketing of TEDS, and TEDS…

The University of Georgia's computer-based recruitment file of about 20,000 annual freshmen prospects has several primary sources: Georgia achievement award winners, names purchased from the College Board, and superior prospects who submit scores. The file can also record various student interactions with the admissions office and students'…

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…

Describes the growing use of computers in our world and how their use will affect vocational education. Discusses recordkeeping and database functions, computer graphics, problem-solving simulations, satellite communications, home computers, and how they will affect office education, home economics education, marketing and distributive education,…

A major information systems planning study undertaken by Boston University and recommendations that were made to enable the university to meet the new demands and changing priorities of educational management are discussed. (BH)

Surveys of students and alumni are viewed as helpful by accrediting teams, college recruiters, career counseling and placement officers, current and prospective students, etc. Only in large-scale national surveys like Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) is there potential for individual colleges to utilize data for their own…

Discusses problems (poverty, lack of national publishers, use of libraries as study halls, low professional status of librarians) affecting high school libraries in Latin America and suggests ways to improve library services, focusing on reference service (opening reference stacks, improved cataloging, library skills instruction), technical…

Proposes a reference-interview strategy that allows the reference librarian to assess the information need of the undergraduate doing social science research that requires the use of an electronic database; label the information need; and assign the most appropriate search strategy to satisfy this need. Questions for further study are offered.…

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…

Explores the use of MOO (multi-user object oriented) virtual environments in academic libraries to enhance reference services. Highlights include the development of multi-user database (MUD) technology from gaming to non-recreational settings; programming issues; collaborative MOOs; MOOs as distinguished from other types of virtual reality; audio…

Collecting statistical data about database usage by library patrons aids in the management of CD-ROM and database offerings, collection development, and evaluation of training programs. Two approaches to data collection are presented which should be used together: an automated or nonintrusive method which monitors search sessions while the…

Discusses cataloging in light of continuing needs and developments in access to government information. Recommends ways the library community, government information providers, and automation specialists can cooperatively reexamine bibliographic standards; expand tape loading to non-U.S. depository collections; link bibliographic databases with…