Defines the issue of information liability as it applies to electronic information and suggests ways in which the issue can be addressed and resolved. Discussion of the marketing and legal aspects of the question includes impact of the Dun & Bradstreet Inc. vs. Greenmoss Builders Inc. ruling on libel litigation. (EM)

Intended to assist library educators, vendor representatives, end-user trainers, and experienced searchers, this article examines typical problems encountered by students in learning online searching. Problems with database selection, search tactics, and using the search system are highlighted, and a sample online exercise and search request form…

Discussion of the online information industry emphasizes the effects of non-price competition on its structure and the firms involved. Q-analysis is applied to data on medical databases and hosts, changes over a three-year period are identified, and an optimum structure for the industry based on economic theory is considered. (Author/LRW)

Description of database management systems for microcomputers highlights system features and factors to consider in microcomputer system selection. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper. A glossary of terms and 32-item bibliography are…

Describes the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) system, how it is organized, how to gain access to ERIC, how one uses RIE (Resources in Education) and CIJE (Current Index to Journals in Education), computer searches of ERIC, who publishes in ERIC, and how to learn more about ERIC. A sample ERIC resume is included. (CT)

Describes LOTUS 1-2-3, an advanced spreadsheet with database and text manipulation functions that can be used with microcomputers by librarians to provide customized calculation and data acquisition tools. Macro commands and the menu system are discussed, and an example is given of an invoice procedure. (Author/LRW)

Describes BIBTOOLS, a system of programs for microcomputers that accomplish many of the manual tasks involved in compiling bibliographies. Highlights of the system, which is designed for use with medical databases, include input and output functions, combining the software with online literature searches, parsing, and programs that function as…

Provides a guide to online search strategies for information about software packages and software reviews, including descriptions of appropriate databases and search access points for databases. (CLB)

Argues that social studies teachers are information managers and that computers can help with this task. Demonstrates how an area database can be created using the PFS:FILE and PFS:REPORT programs. (RKM)

Describes a computer program designed to manage statistics about online searches which reports the number of searches by vendor, purpose, and librarian; calculates charges to departments and individuals; and prints monthly invoices to users with standing accounts. (CLB)

Both generic and specialized database programs can be used by physical educators to manage their student performance data. General guidelines are presented to assist physical educators in evaluating and selecting management programs to meet their specific needs in such areas as equipment, program parameters, data entry, reports, quality, control,…

An automated list of bidders can be organized to provide an effective means of soliciting qualified suppliers to school districts. The system in Frederick County, Maryland, is described. (MLF)

Lafayette College used the Nexis database to find out if their peer institutions were receiving more and "better" national press exposure. Four categories of exposure were identified: coincidental mentions, sports stories, stories placed by an institution's own public relations efforts, and stories based on general prestige and perceived…

A survey of business librarians at schools offering graduate degrees in business showed that: (1) most librarians search databases other then those related to business subjects; (2) most searches are for citations to articles; (3) most searches are paid for on a cost recovery basis; and (4) most librarians do searches for off-campus patrons.…

Suggests ways of using computers to access the periodical literature including integrated public access catalogs; natural language display; network access to area union lists; links between indexing and location tools; access to journal content through the online catalog; broadened search capabilities; and remote user access with document…