Last article in a series reviews online databases in fields of astronomy, earth sciences (geology, oceanography, other geosciences), and materials science (interdisciplinary subject encompassing ceramics, polymers, metals, glasses, etc.), noting coverage and search strategies. A table of 28 databases citing major subjects, producers, and starting…

An introduction to a panel discussion on technology for students with cognitive, motor, and perceptual handicaps examines potential benefits of interactive instructional systems and notes the tremendous increase in resources devoted to this technology in special education. (CL)

Reviews databases providing information on published, standardized and unpublished, non-standardized test instruments: Educational Testing Service File, Mental Measurements Yearbook Database, Dissertation Abstracts Online, ERIC, and Psychological Abstracts. Search strategies, search examples, and a summary chart of searchable fields for test…

Enumerates principal management objectives of database management systems (data independence, quality, security, multiuser access, central control) and criteria for comparison (response time, size, flexibility, other features). Conventional database management systems, relational databases, and database machines used for backend processing are…

On-line circulation control systems are operating in three University libraries and in at least five public library systems in Australia. These systems fall into three types; those based on punched cards, those based on keyboard entry, and those using light pens and bar-coded labels. (Author)

A cost analysis of 411 on-line bibliographic search requests was conducted. The average cost was $28.41 exclusive of telephone line charges. (Author)

Outlines innovations in library tools made possible by use of computer output microfilm. (PF)

Described is the file organization and design of an on-line catalog suitable for automation of one million books. A method of virtual hash addressing allows rapid search of the indexes to the catalog file. Storage of textual material in a compressed form allows considerable reduction in storage costs. (14 references) (Author/SJ)

An on-line serials control system with particular emphasis on storage and maintenance concepts is described. The system allows real-time display and updating of all elements of the file. (6 references) (Author)

An evaluation of the Epilepsy Abstracts Retrieval System (EARS) was performed. Searches were conducted on the on-line system and evaluated in terms of recall, precision, and general user satisfaction. A detailed analysis of factors affecting the success and failure of the on-line searches was carried out. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Describes success of Britain's Open University in making remote access computer facilities available to students enrolled in correspondence courses. (SP)

On-line reference retrieval is seen as replacing tape driven systems within a few years. Design criteria are discussed including minimizing the number of disc accesses, use of hash coding for searching a thesaurus and searching with precise terms first and common terms last. (6 references) (Author/SJ)

This paper discusses the Experimental Library Management System's features which facilate user interaction, and may prove useful in similar systems; techniques for tutoring the user, adaptability for the experienced user, minimization of keying, performance of clerical tasks by exception notification, and collection of operational statistics to…

Examines problems associated with inclusion of series authority records within national online authority system including: selection of titles for inclusion in series or title authority file; information in addition to title to be included in records; construction of series headings; handling minor variations in series titles. Eleven references…