Describes the creation of an interactive retrieval system for electronic numeric files that was developed at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Topics discussed include user characteristics; special data characteristics; quality control; software; hardware; data preparation; database design and construction; interface; subject indexing…

Presents abstracts of 34 special interest group (SIG) sessions. Highlights include humanities scholars and electronic texts; information retrieval and indexing systems design; automated indexing; domain analysis; query expansion in document retrieval systems; thesauri; business intelligence; Americans with Disabilities Act; management;…

Based on a presentation at the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), this article discusses a university-based computer network that would support electronic publishing. Highlights include the influence on libraries and librarians; technical and operational standards; economic factors; and institutional planning. Six sidebars address other…

Suggests ways that the school library media specialist can help students become more successful as users of online information. Four types of barriers to becoming informed are described: (1) indicative access barriers (indexing systems and relevance); (2) physical access to documents identified in a search; (3) linguistic barriers; and (4)…

Reviews the literature on legal information systems/CALR (computer-assisted legal research) and law office automation, including legal expert systems and information technology applications relevant to legal education and courts. The new phenomenon of Internet use in the field of law is also discussed. Contains 128 references. (AEF)

Presents an evaluation of the OnLine at PA Libraries (1996-97) Internet-based information services and resources project for Pennsylvania residents. The project provided a statewide demonstration to improve public library services; connect public libraries to the Internet; provide a range of new services and resources to their communities; and…

This study of an online search strategy based on word frequency found that it provided 98% sensitivity in retrieving systematic reviews of health-care interventions in MEDLINE, while retaining a low (20%) but acceptable precision. Presents other strategies with other levels of sensitivity and precision and discusses factors that may affect the…

Addresses pitfalls in using the Internet for undergraduate research, including: increased ability to commit plagiarism and academic fraud; difficulties sorting valid, useful information from inaccurate or misleading sources; difficulties searching the Internet; growing confusion between reality and virtual reality; and lack of context for much…

Proposes a Web-based model as the infrastructure to store learning logs for analysis in distance education. Describes the method of using query language to retrieve information from a database to construct the data cube. Illustrates data-cube implementation with a group-discussion example. Shows how data-cube technology can solve the recording and…

Examines the ways in which the collaborative use of a multimedia-based CD-ROM encyclopedia in a sixth-grade Finnish classroom fosters science learning. Results show that students' activities during task-processing were highly procedural and product-oriented. Students had inefficient skills in accessing and retrieving information from the…

Describes a survey of Kentucky high school library media specialists that was conducted to determine what kind of electronic resources were available for research needs and what instruction they were provided with regarding the retrieval of electronic information. Discusses implications for academic librarians who may be instructing college…

Provides an overview of the basic components of a digital library. Highlights include library collections; metadata; services, including information seeking and retrieval, reference query fulfillment, and user training; user interaction with digital libraries, including searching, browsing, and navigation; economic support; maintenance;…

Describes a social studies project cooperatively planned and taught by the library media specialist and a classroom teacher at the Cartersville Middle School in Cartersville, Georgia. The project teaches seventh graders to use traditional research skills as well as technological computer-based research skills to identify, locate, select,…

Describes a project commissioned by the Australian government to help university teachers improve student assessment. Eight modules incorporated the following abilities: critical thinking, problem solving, performing procedures and demonstrating techniques, self-directed learning, accessing and managing information, demonstrating knowledge,…

The author of this article is an automation librarian, but at times he also works at the reference desk, as well as teaching library instruction and literacy classes. Working at the reference desk, he learns how users handle their library's information technology. This article explores the conclusions that the author has reached regarding the…