This annual review article examines the automated library system marketplace from four perspectives: turnkey circulation systems, library-developed software which may be purchased by other libraries, the microcomputer segment of market, and production of COM catalogs. Addresses of 86 turnkey vendors, software vendors, library-developed systems,…

This essay explores issues arising as librarians and publishers exploit new technologies--economic constraints, different discipline predilections for formats of information, intransigence of some scholars to alter communication patterns--and examines future of electronic publication and how the scholar, the library, and publishing industry will…

Guidelines are offered to institutions seeking to interface their diverse student and administrative databases. Administrative costs associated with maintaining separate data systems are often unnecessary, and duplication of data can make consistent and accurate reports hard to achieve. (Author/MLW)

Examines the behavior of young children using barcode readers on reading texts that have a subtext of barcodes that activate a text-related voice program. (CRH)

Describes the creation of Bibliographic Retrieval Services/TERM, a vocabulary database providing controlled vocabulary descriptors and natural language synonyms for thousands of concepts related to behavioral and social sciences. Inspiration behind TERM, basic decisions, integrating vocabularies, database design, and production are highlighted.…

Discusses alternatives to the Boolean system that would enable users of online bibliographic databases--primarily those containing scientific and technical information--to obtain their required level of performance at lowest cost. Highlights include recall and precision factors (natural and controlled language, titles, abstracts, quorum function)…

This essay addresses factors that influence a customer's perception of the value of online information delivery services: evident costs, uncertain return, long-term return, not directly productive, overhead expense, and differential use. Roles assumed in acquiring and using information services (purchasers, searchers, consumers), price, and…

Describes the methods and results of the transfer of the SCAN bibliographic database, sponsored by the Administration on Aging (AoA) to the private sector American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) when Congress repealed authority for AoA. Steps involved in the establishment of a bibliographic database are outlined. Four sources are given.…

This paper explores features of automated acquisitions systems now implemented and discusses features that might be implemented in the next few years. Distributed acquisitions, ordering, receiving, reconciliation, management reporting, and collection development (selection of current materials, retrospective purchasing, and comparative…

Explores current status of archival automation on both the national and local levels, and discusses its implications for control and access of historical documentation. Development of Selected Permutation Index by National Archives and Records Service, automation at Library of Congress (LC) Manuscript Division, and planning for automation are…

Describes the first library-sponsored Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), begun in November 1981 at North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library. Examples of logon routines, menu displays, recent features of the People's Message System, and censorship statements are included. BBS sources (noting address and price) and a nine-item…

Description of the development of a computer-based resource-sharing program in Massachusetts highlights past planning efforts, development of philosophical basis of network, network activities (development and linking of bibliographic databases, document request and delivery procedures, computer literacy/training for librarians), and issues…

Calculations of storage requirements for retrieval systems using inverted files. Problem of minimal storage requirements for inverted file is solved for different index term distributions. (Author/KP)

The purpose of this dissertation is to identify the instructional goals of faculty who teach in the web-based environment and compare those to the goals of faculty who teach traditional, face-to-face course. Study participants were faculty members from two year public community colleges in Florida and the data was collected via a website that…

The research presented in this paper examines the effect of hypertext and animation in the context of online learning. With an increasing number of online courses and degrees offered through the Internet and a rapidly increasing enrollment in such courses, it is important to assess and understand how these online features can affect or contribute…