On-line circulation systems divide into two types. One type contains records only for charged or otherwise absent items. The other contains a file of records for all titles or volumes in the library collection, regardless of their circulation status. This paper traces differences between the two types. (31 references) (Author)

As an exploration of the frustration experienced by users of an on-line interactive retrieval system, students participated in an experiment using an experimental reference retrieval system for library literature. It was anticipated that significant variations in user behavior would be displayed by the control and experimental groups. (19…

The virtues of interactive systems are speed, intimacy, and - if time-sharing is involved - economy. The major problems are the cost of the large computers and files necessary for bibliographic data, the still-high cost of communications, and the generally poor design of the user-system interfaces. (Author)

Describes history, operating procedures, and current activities of group of users of the University of Toronto Library Automation System (UTLAS) who cooperated with each other, the bibliographic utility, and the National Library of Canada to produce an automated authority control system, termed Shared Authority File (SHARAF). Five references are…

Explores the use of public online access systems, noting three reasons for their emergence: the failure of computer output microform (COM) catalogs, online circulation systems, and commercial vendors. User needs and wants and librarian requirements are outlined in terms of cost considerations. Fourteen references are listed. (EJS)

Investigates Computer Assisted Guidance (CAG), systems providing occupational/career guidance, in terms of student and guidance needs, validity, currency, and costs. The CAG program at a Miami, Florida, high school is described, and a chart comparing 30 CAG programs is provided. (MBR)

This editorial addresses the issue of whether or not to provide free-text, keyword/boolean search capabilities in the information retrieval mechanisms of online public access catalogs and discusses online catalogs developed prior to 1980--keyword searching, phrase searching, and precoordination and postcoordination. (EJS)

Provides survey questions designed to be used to gather information required in library decision-making process for selection of automated circulation system. User library profile, system profile, hardware and software profiles, interactive workload, service, staff support requirements, educational support, bibliographic/item database, patron…

Discussion of care and planning given to the implementation of an automated library system highlights informing the staff in the early stages, project management, involvement of the entire staff, the control log, time and money, where and when to go online, and implementation consultants. (EJS)

Discussion of the process of library cataloging notes the 8th century cataloger, Alcuin; purpose of cataloging; bibliographic control; access to information; cataloging on OCLC; emphasis on the format in which cataloging information is communicated; lost precision; authority files; and recall versus precision. Seven references are included. (EJS)

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses compilation by the National Library of Canada of comprehensive and official national retrospective bibliography to provide a record of the published Canadian heritage. Scope (inclusion, exclusions, date, Canadiana--works published in Canada, by Canadians, or about Canada), bibliographic standards, publication, impact, and future plans…

Benefits associated with private file services offered by online system hosts in the United States and Europe are outlined, noting currently available services, private file design, file input, costs and charges, service comparisons, security, and videotex services. Three references are included. (EJS)

Issues having a possible impact on online search services in libraries are discussed including full text databases, front-end processors which translate user's input into the command language of an appropriate system, downloading to create personal files from commercial databases, and pricing. (EJS)