Presents a model of some of the typical important layers in the design of information systems, and shows how those layers interact in operation. Suggests that these layers are in the way of a cascade of each layer affecting the next. Presents a model of this cascade of interactions in information systems. Provides examples from networked…

This report, the second annual Database Marketplace survey, analyzes information gathered from 29 companies that distribute and produce information available through online, Web, or CD-ROM systems. In addition to data, topics include company mergers, takeovers, sales, accomplishments, and future plans. (Author/LRW)

Examines how libraries and librarians can compare full-text general periodical indices, using ProQuest Direct, Periodical Abstracts (via Ovid), and EBSCOhost as examples. Explores breadth and depth of coverage; manipulation of results (email/download/print); ease of use (searching); and indexing quirks. (AEF)

The Library of Congress (LC) has increasingly created digital reproductions of visual materials to enhance access to its resources. This article describes selected aspects of LC's practical experience and current practices from digital capture through interactions with users, with an emphasis on the integration of access to pictorial images online…

Focuses on the possibilities open to institutions using distance learning (DL) through the Internet. Discusses synchronic, asynchronic and noninteractive learning and their incorporation in the Internet; the main contributing factors of Internet-based DL; challenges and controversies; mapping the presence of formal education institutions on the…

Describes different conceptual foundations and orientations of the two major approaches to metadata: bibliographic-control approach (origins and major proponents in library science); and data-management approach (origins and major proponents in computer science). Examination of efforts to establish metadata standards and comparison of different…

Focuses on one area that the library staff cannot control: demographics. Discusses the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's (UNLV's) user population, how it has affected the development of a flexible library instruction program at UNLV, and how the online tutorial at another large urban university relates to its user population. (AEF)

The three basic models of full text are: publisher-supplied; third-party, or aggregator-supplied; and distributed, "linked," in which a bibliographic database provider links to (usually) publisher-supplied full text. This article looks at each model in detail, with particular emphasis on the challenges they face. A clear understanding of…

Uses the perspectives of sociology and computer science to compare face-to-face (f2f) and computer-mediated communications (CMC) from the viewpoint of their respective abilities to form and sustain communities. Identifies a third type of community--a hybrid--that is based on a combination of f2f and CMC or offline and online communications. (AEF)

Compares the traditional model of the reference interview with a new model based on online information process. Findings offer new perspectives on the reference interview process and lend support to the adoption of a new reference model which shifts its venue from a person to person process, to one in which information itself provides the platform…

Describes efforts of three official metadata standards-setting bodies. Discusses the three categories of metadata formats; metadata registries; the Dublin Core and its relatives; several geospatial and biological metadata projects; and vocabularies/data element content. Provides a list of links to metadata projects and resources. (AEF)

Presents a chart comparing Web search engines. Discusses features covered in the chart: size; Boolean Operators and Parentheses; phrase searching; proximity; truncation; title, date and URL fields; links to a URL; language; media searching; name; case sensitivity; searches all common words; directory attached; gives count for answer; gives term…

Discusses online resources that focus on what not to do in Web page design. "Don'ts" include: making any of the top 10 mistakes identified by Nielsen, qualifying for a "muddie" award for bad Web sites, forgetting to listen to users, and forgetting accessibility. A sidebar lists the Web site addresses for the nine resources…

Reports on an experiment conducted using the "AntWorld" system, a collaborative information finding system for the Internet, to explore the effect of added motivation on users' behavior. Findings suggest that for the system to be effective, users must be motivated either by the environment, or by incentives within the system. (Author/AEF)

Discusses findings from national surveys conducted from 1995 to 2000 concerning access, community and political involvement, and social interaction of Internet users. Concludes that Internet usage is: becoming more equally accessible and widely used; associated with increased community and political involvement; and associated with significant,…