Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans.…

Examines the new pricing policy adopted by the Chemical Abstracts Service, which is based on search term charges rather than connect time. Technical and business developments leading to this change are reviewed, and reactions of several experts in the online field are included. (MES)

Presents an annotated list of 17 references dealing with various topics related to telecommunications and online systems. (JN)

Presents third installment of directory published in four parts in June and August issues of "Database" and July and September "Online." Description, company, compatibility, type of laserdisk, search and retrieval software, interface with magnetic media, conditions of usage, price, and status information are given for 11 products. Company names…

Reports on investments in the United States (including database activities) by four Dutch publishing companies--Elsevier-NDU, VNU, Kluwer, Wolters Samsom Group. An analysis of the reasons behind these investments, the solidness of the companies, the approach to the U.S. information market, and the knowledge transfer to Europe are highlighted. (EJS)

The Arc Ed Curriculum uses video game formats to teach math and language arts content. Four motivational features (feedback, improvement, high response rates, and unlimited ceiling on performance along with adapted content could make the system applicable for use with severely handicapped learners. (CL)

Explores scientific inquiry as philosophical and behavioral model for online search specialist and information retrieval process. Nature of scientific research is described and online analogs to research concepts of variable, hypothesis formulation and testing, operational definition, validity, reliability, assumption, and cyclical nature of…

Reviews recent publications in online database literature including three newsletters ("Database Update,""Database Alert," and "Information Hotline"), a directory ("Guide to Online Databases"), and a textbook ("Online Reference and Information Retrieval" by Roger C. Palmer). The new "Guide to Searching ONTAP ABI/INFORM" is noted. (EJS)

This article offers a working definition and general comments on the purchasing of library turnkey systems (package including hardware and software required to accomplish a clearly defined task). Turnkey versus customized, selecting a turnkey system, request for proposal, contracting with vendors, and post installation evaluation are discussed.…

Discusses the use of microcomputers for online searching, handling telephone requests, storing data, and electronic mail. (JOW)

Journal Log In is a computer on-line system for checking in periodicals. Used in conjunction with an IBM system called IQRP (Interactive Query Report Processing), it permits a serials librarian to use shortened commands coupled with a CODEN for ease in logging in periodicals. (Author)

Automation of the survey process has proved successful in many industries, yet it is still underused in educational research. This is largely due to the facts (1) that number crunching is usually carried out using software that was developed before information technology existed, and (2) that the educational research is to a great extent trapped…

Colleges and universities have moved to develop online courses that are independent of time and place, but equal effort and financial commitment have not been given to the development or licensing of support services that accompany these courses. Services should be available at the same times that academic courses are, yet few institutions provide…

This paper describes and analyzes the models and methods used to evaluate asynchronous online learning networks and presents a "Systems Component Contexture Model" for conceptualizing the evaluation of online learning networks. The evaluation team finds it useful to divide the variables they examine into descriptive, process, and outcome…

Simon Fraser University library began operation with an automated circulation system. A radically revised loan policy caused the system design and assumptions to be questioned. A cheaper, simpler, and more effective off-line system eventually replaced the on-line system. The systems, fiscal, and administrative implications of this decision are…