Discusses library staff and public reaction to the computerization of library operations at the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs. An outline of computer applications implemented since the inception of the program in 1975 is included. (EJS)

Discusses the negotiation of a purchase contract agreement between a library and vendor's sale representative for the purchase of an automated system. Vendor ploys and the negotiation process--selecting important issues, establishing tentative position on issues, developing alternatives, reaching agreement on all contract terms--are noted. Eleven…

Survey to determine impact of online availability on subscriptions to printed publications found 2-5 percent annual attrition in subscriptions to printed publications over past five years is not related solely or primarily to availability of online databases, and evolution of online databases and printed publications as separate entities is…

Surveys major databases offering access to historical and biographical information in the sciences and highlights special features of each--Histline, America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Agricola, Biosis Previews, CA Condensates, Compendex, Excerpta Medica, Inspec, and Medline. Two references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses the retrospective conversion of the cataloging records of Texas A & M University Library into machine-readable format, noting choice of alternatives to complete project, choice of vendor, in-house preparation, problems and procedures in execution of the project, and benefits gained. (EJS)

A listing of 42 operational and experimental online agricultural information systems in the United States is provided, noting system name, sponsoring organization, location, information and services provided, and key contact person and phone number. (EJS)

Provides money-saving tips to reduce online time when searching databases, reviews Alfred Glossbrenner's book on computer searching, and discusses the technical gaffes in the movie "War Games." (MBR)

Discussion of increased automation in the book trade and in library acquisitions systems, which will lead to a new type of bookseller-library interface and relationship, notes electronic equipment, library requirements, book-trade response, and design of interactive systems. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

Describes two new bibliographic information services being marketed to microcomputer owners by DIALOG, Inc. and Bibliographic Retrieval Services to allow access to databases at low rates during evening hours. Subject focus, selection of a database, search strategies employed on each system are discussed, and the two services are compared. (EJS)

Examines the need for cataloging of microform collections, the means of supplying this bibliographic information, and the meshing of users' and suppliers' desires to maintain bibliographic control of microform products with respect to University Microfilms International's decision to begin inputting cataloging for its products onto the OCLC…

Describes the six tasks required in the development of an online database: analysis, design, programing, testing, loading, and documentation. Figures illustrate file formats, and a bibliography lists five sources. (FM)

An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

Examines the characteristics of subject headings found in OCLC cataloging records. The study analyzed a sample of 33,455 monographic records taken from the OCLC database, and found that 94 percent of the subject headings used were Library of Congress subject headings. Twenty-seven references are cited. (Author/FM)

Compares the cost and retrieval effectiveness of three online information services when searching is conducted primarily on one database. The costs of searching, profile storage, printing, document delivery, surcharges, and updates are identified for WISE, BRS, and DIALOG. (FM)

Reports the results of experiments using colon classification for the analysis, representation, and retrieval of primary information from the full text of documents. Recall, precision, and search length measures indicate colon classification did not perform significantly better than Boolean or simple word occurrence systems. Thirteen references…