A comprehensive network makes computing available to many individuals on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Electronic bulletin boards provide a new campus communication medium for the exchange of information on a variety of topics. Most of the administrative systems operate in an online mode. (MLW)

A survey of online searchers' perceptions of seven database vendors over 13 service-related characteristics resulted in DIALOG being ranked first for all attributes. A statistically significant relationship between overall preference and frequency of use was demonstrated, with reliability, variety, and flexibility the most highly ranked…

Considers a definition of online searching and discusses each of these factors--training, search aids, physical setting, search request form, interview and profile construction, terminal session, search evaluation, document delivery, professional reading, and online user groups. Eighteen sources are cited. (EJS)

A comprehensive network makes computing available to many individuals on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Electronic bulletin boards provide a new campus communication medium for the exchange of information on a variety of topics. Most of the administrative systems operate in an online mode. (MLW)

Results of an experiment at Stanford University in which terminals were placed on the desks of principal officers, including the president and five vice presidents, is described. A computer-based electronic message system was made available to this group. (MLW)

Describes Electronic Legislative Search System (ELSS), a comprehensive service which tracks current state and federal legislation and provides careful monitoring of status of bills in its database. Contents of the database, search criteria and priority, format options, learning to search, and updating the system are noted. Sample searches are…

Comments on significant steps that have contributed to current level of bibliographic control of social science machine-readable data files (MRDF). Problems to be considered before MRDF can be integrated into existing bibliographic utilities are outlined. Twenty references and MARC format, catalog entry, and data abstract for an MRDF are appended.…

Reviews programs aimed toward building of national database--RECON Working Task Force's Study of feasibility of converting the retrospective records of the Library of Congress, Cooperative MARC (COMARC), REMARC, and CONSER (continuing effort to build national database of serial records). Current efforts contributing to the evolving network are…

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of different types of term combination using the positional logic capability of online information retrieval systems and describes a study in which searches for material on "microwave integrated circuits" were conducted in order to find the most economical way of generating the most relevant…

Identifies the advantages and limitations of online search services offered by libraries, cautioning the searcher and user to consider and evaluate all options before performing online search. The librarian's responsibility to solve the user's information problem in a desirable way is discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Reviews recent developments in area of bibliographic control of microforms--creation of online bibliographic utilities which have technological capability to provide widespread access to records and establishment of Association of Research Libraries Microform Project. Annotated bibliographies of sources on bibliographic control of microforms and…

Comments based on actual reference use of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--formerly BALLOTS--in a library environment focus on RLIN files, interlibrary loan, search keys, and subject searches. This article updates a description of BALLOTS as it was developed by Stanford University to support cataloging and acquisitions (Online,…

This overview of vendors supplying goods and services to libraries notes the development of library suppliers, services offered by subscription agencies, the use of online systems, services offered by book jobbers, other vendor services, binderies, and consumerism. (EJS)

Describes innovative pricing structure consisting of low connect time fee, print fees, and search fees, offered by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) ONLINE--an online searching system used to locate chemical substances. Pricing options considered by CAS, the search-based pricing approach, and users' reactions to pricing structures are noted. (EJS)

Teleconferencing, as an interactive group communication through an electronic medium joining three or more people at two or more locations, can take one of three forms: audio, audiographic, or full-motion video. This multilocation technology is used in training and in conducting meetings and conferences; it works as a money- and time-saving tool.…