Describes the latest modifications being made to OASIS, a front-end enhancement to the University of California's MELVYL online union catalog. Highlights include the X Windows interface; multiple database searching to act as an information network; Lisp implementation for flexible data representation; and OASIS commands and features to help…

Discussion of corporate library services and the role of the librarian focuses on the recognition and tracking of issues of potential significance to the corporation, or issues management. Topics addressed include environmental scanning of relevant literature, and the use of databases to track issues. (16 references) (LRW)

Discusses issues connected with developing information systems for competitive intelligence support; defines the elements of an effective competitive information system; and summarizes issues affecting system design and implementation. Highlights include intelligence information; information needs; information sources; decision making; and…

Reports on a project to provide contextual information about the derivative bibliographic relationship by studying a sample of works from a research library catalog. The research design, the proportion of works that were part of bibliographic families, the constitution of bibliographic families, and directions for further research are presented.…

Describes a feasibility study which focused on converting Japanese-American evacuation and relocation photographs to digital format for improved access and preservation. Problems and issues surrounding indexing the collection, the use of Library of Congress Subject Headings and authority files, and public service issues raised by a digital image…

Built using a distributed architecture, this prototype distributed information retrieval system uses statistical ranking techniques to provide better service to the end user. Distributed architecture was shown to be a feasible alternative to centralized or CD-ROM information retrieval, and user testing of the ranking methodology showed both…

Discusses the use of an optical jukebox in a retrieval-intensive application--i.e., for a law firm's litigation support--and examines factors affecting the performance of the jukebox. The imaging system's configuration is explained, document access from workstations is described, and expectations of retrieval times are discussed. (LRW)

Describes efforts to assess the information needs of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota prior to developing the Integrated Information Center (IIC). Discussion covers client groups to be served by the IIC, information requirements of the department, and assessments of current and future information technology…

Argues that training in the use of computer based retrieval systems fails to meet many of the needs of staff and end-user searchers in health sciences information and that, although structured training programs present several advantages, they are rarely implemented. It is recommended that a design process based on Needs-Objectives-Content-Method…

Discusses issues in the information retrieval standards development process, including interdependency among standards, organizational responsibility, scope, and future needs. Management of the completed standard is also addressed, and the roles of specific groups concerned with standards are outlined. (EA)

Describes two experiments that were conducted at the University of Illinois to determine how cognitive abilities of users of information retrieval systems and specific design features combine to create system usability. Logical reasoning and perceptual speed are examined, and reliability and validity are discussed. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Describes Kodak's Photo CD technology, a format for the storage and retrieval of photographic images in electronic form. Highlights include current and future Photo CD formats; computer imaging technology; ownership issues; hardware for using Photo CD; software; library and information center applications, including image collections and…

Discusses how to extract relevant information as part of the Big6 process of teaching information problem-solving. Highlights include extracting information from print sources compared to computer-based information resources; identifying relevant information; and extracting information from other multimedia sources such as interviews, audio…

Describes "The Brontes: A Hypertext Edition," a project that aims to provide cross-referenced editions, annotations, 19th-century critical accounts, and contextual links to sources for quotations and allusions in the Brontes' novels. Notes limitations of print editions and discusses theoretical concerns, the need for a range of tagging…

This survey of 1037 World Wide Web objects on polymer chemistry collected by four search engines (AltaVista, Lycos, Excite, Webcrawler) examined document information and use of meta fields, images, and chemical names. Found that the use of meta fields was not widespread and that knowledge of meta fields in HTML varied among Web object creators.…