Examines the changing role of controlled vocabulary in the postcoordinate online search, particularly its current role in the formulation of online search strategies. Effects of controlled vocabulary searching on precision and recall and examples of concept "hedges" from the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors" are discussed. Nine…

This discussion of the use of authority control to ensure consistency of headings in machine-readable and card catalogs highlights the basic concepts and rationale of authority control and library catalogs, and efforts of the Library of Congress and bibliographic utilities. Six references and causes of name variations are appended. (EJS)

Provides suggestions for using on-line database systems (CompuServe, The Source, Dow Jones) in the classroom, presenting examples of the kinds of information and services available from CompuServe. Major CompuServe submenus are provided to illustrate encyclopedia searches, use of reference library, news sources, and accessing clubs and special…

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, interactive video serves both as an instructional tool and a project for creative students in graphic communications. The package facilitates courseware development and teaches students simultaneously about microcomputer and video technology. (SK)

This article expresses concerns about online searches being run by inexperienced searchers or nonchemists for other nonchemists or students. Studies concerning problems in the use of Chemical Condensates Database, Chemical Abstracts, Medline, and patent information are highlighted. Examples of searches yielding unsatisfactory results are noted.…

Discusses changing telecommunications environment and effect these changes might have on information systems design. Major telecommunications factors and trends reviewed are classified as technical (application of computer technologies to classical telecommunications problems), economic, and regulatory policy related (divestiture of American…

Results of Pittsburgh Regional Library Center Serials Cancellation Project are discussed, providing insight into problems and opportunities of multi-institution collection management decision-making using the online catalog. Previous attempts to coordinate collection management decisions, cancellation of serial titles, an online standard code for…

In this third of five course installments, the role of Library of Congress in providing improved subject access and weaknesses or defects of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are discussed. Reflections of six practioners and researcher/teachers on long term use of LCSH and the MARC bibliographic record are presented. (EJS)

This article reviews and evaluates literature dealing with choosing software for creation of microcomputer-based in-house databases in the information center. Sections on purchasing versus programing, directories of software, evaluation of software, and sources for software descriptions or reviews are included. Appendices list microcomputer…

Discusses present and future changes in library organization and management resulting from increasingly smaller library units, use of electronics to support decentralized services, new management style, and interlibrary cooperatives. Three strategies for change--to accept change, to change change, to recognize that some things cannot be…

In this second of five course installments, key terms in an up-to-date definition of "subject access"--access, collection of items, search words, vocabulary, index or catalog records, related words or clues, file--are identified, and their part in providing subject access in both traditional and computer-based services are discussed.…

Online registration at Boston College, CORSS (Course Registration and Scheduling System), is described. Students register at a specific appointment time to work out an acceptable program with a terminal operator who is a member of the registrar's staff, and leaves the registration area with a printed schedule of courses. (MLW)

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

This 26-item annotated bibliography cites articles and conference papers from 1981-1984 related to end-user searching of online databases in three sections: End-User Search Services and Systems, End User versus Intermediary, and Training of the End User. Questions concerning role of the librarian/intermediary and cost effectiveness of end-user…

The cornerstone of online career guidance systems rests with their degrees of durability, functionality, usability, and applicability over time and across a broad array of career options and scenarios. Students, counselors, employers, employees, and other prospective users must ascertain and experience value and performance from the sites and…