This two-part study was designed (1) to determine differences in the costs of searching BRS After Dark (BRS AD) and Knowledge Index (KI) generally and across ten selected databases, and (2) to determine whether there is a difference in the citations retrieved when the same search is conducted on the same database in both systems. Study methodology…

This document presents the proceedings of a conference on the issues of intellectual property rights in a technology-driven environment. Following an introduction which summarizes the conference presentations and discussions, copies of the five presentations are provided: (1) "The OTA (Office of Technology Assessment) Report on Intellectual…

Discussion of the online information industry emphasizes the effects of non-price competition on its structure and the firms involved. Q-analysis is applied to data on medical databases and hosts, changes over a three-year period are identified, and an optimum structure for the industry based on economic theory is considered. (Author/LRW)

Provides a guide to online search strategies for information about software packages and software reviews, including descriptions of appropriate databases and search access points for databases. (CLB)

Several online vendors address the issue of RFPs (requests for proposals) for library systems, discussing the documents' style, technical standards, library expectations, liabilities associated with using this procedure, factors in the decision to bid, and the need for a standardized document and national clearinghouse. (CLB)

Reports the results of a survey of the Canadian integrated library systems market. The analysis includes comparisons of large versus microcomputer-based installations by type of library and across all libraries, foreign sales by Canadian vendors, and trends in the library systems market. (CLB)

Explores issues relating libraries, telecommunications, the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Communications Commission, and the common carriers. Computer networking technologies and standards are discussed and progress in library networking is compared to the development of a planned national science network. Future public policy issues…

Examines cost effectiveness and efficiency of using Government Printing Office Cataloging tapes to add records to online catalogs. Several problems, including errors and inconsistencies in tapes and lack of documentation, are identified. Options available for libraries wishing to make use of these tapes are described. (CLB)

Lists and describes databases that provide software reviews and directories, and that focus on particular applications, including engineering, education, libraries, microcomputers, and general business. A directory of these databases is provided which includes the database producer, starting date, updating frequency, and online access vendor. (CLB)

Compares the performance of ABI/INFORM on the DIALOG, NEXIS and DIALCOM systems in terms of documentation, database and system design, convenience, and cost. Examples of searches on the various systems are given. (CLB)

This study tracks the increasing use of the term "information broker" in the professional library literature, and looks at the extent to which the professional literature reflects the increasing trend of information commodification. The content of three online databases was analyzed: LIBRARY LITERATURE, LISA, and ABI/INFORM. Four terms…

Increases in the availability of technology, the range of content software, and curriculum via the Internet have placed countless options in the hands of teachers. Similarly, increasing accountability has placed added pressure on teachers to meet stated objectives and ensure student performance. How can teachers optimize available technologies and…

Reports on the Third National Conference of African American Librarians held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, July 31-August 3, 1997. Discusses affirmative action; traditionally black colleges; the recruitment of African Americans to librarianship; equitable job opportunities; children; loss of jobs to technology; authors and other notables; and…

Discusses aspects of school home pages: school policy, parental involvement and concerns, Internet access and commercial providers, HTML programming, links to other Web pages, graphics, and the importance of proofreading. (PEN)

Discussion of outsourcing library operations highlights two examples: (1) the Riverside County (California) library which had been outsourcing library operations to the City of Riverside, and switched to a private vendor; and (2) the Sun Microsystems Library which had operated as an outsourced library and recently decided to insource their library…