Discusses the use of optical character recognition (OCR) technology to produce an ASCII text database. A tutorial on digital scanning and OCR is provided, and a systems integration project which used the Calera CDP-3000XF scanner and text retrieval software to construct a database of dissertations at George Mason University is described. (four…

Provides a self-test designed to measure computer literacy of library personnel. Overall literacy levels are determined by assessing skills and knowledge in the areas of hardware, languages, operating systems, and applications. Suggestions for skill enhancement through private study and continuing education are offered and sources of further…

Explores the meanings that have been attached to the term "archival" and concludes that librarians participating in the national preservation effort use this term to mean permanent. Permanence is practically defined as storage for upwards of 100 years. Given this definition, the merits of microforms and optical disks as archival storage materials…

Describes the function of and services offered by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress, which is charged with meeting the research and information needs of the U.S. Congress. The interaction of research analysts and librarians within the service is discussed. (CLB)

Discusses the importance of microform reviews as a tool for library collection development and offers advice to microform reviewers. A formula for microform evaluation is presented which covers intellectual content, institutional need, price, bibliographic control, and technical quality and format. (five references) (CLB)

Eight articles describe the development, content, and structure of databases outside of the United States. Features discussed include library involvement, authority control, shared cataloging services, union catalogs, thesauri, abstracts, and distribution methods. Countries and areas represented are Latin America, Australia, the United Kingdom,…

Considers the current state of publishing practice in the library and information science literature based on data from 48 journals. Rejection rates, openness to unsolicited manuscripts, the review process, criteria for publication, and publication delays are discussed, and data are presented in three tables. (16 references) (MES)

Reviews the experiences of 12 research libraries that participated from 1984-86 in the retrospective conversion of approximately 21,000 data records describing archival materials using RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network). Factors affecting the amount of time spent on the project--the integrity of finding aids and authority work--are…

Discussion of the role of library resources in the formulation of theatrical performance features the dramaturg, the professional researcher on a theater's staff. Topics include an empirical approach to performance; how theater artists use libraries; the dramaturg as model; researching the text; dramaturgical case studies; and relationships…

Description of the National Library of Bhutan and its manuscript microfilming project; selection of texts and preparation and carving of wood blocks for printing; conservation measures for the preservation of manuscripts and printing blocks; and possible future developments.(LRW)

Discusses the graphical user interface (GUI) online public access catalog (OPAC), a user interface that uses images to represent options. Topics include user interface design for information retrieval; designing effective bibliographic displays, including subject headings; two design principles; and what GUIs can bring to OPACs. (LRW)

Discusses contributions that alternative press publishers make to the field of multicultural literature for children, describes the collection at the Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and profiles several alternative presses, especially those owned and operated by African Americans and by Native Americans.…

Discusses the project undertaken by MMF Publications to micropublish a collection of rare Dutch maps and drawings. Background information about the collection is given and decisions regarding the choice of microfiche format are explained. MMF elected to publish a printed guide to accompany the collection for enhanced access. (Author/JKP)

Describes a formalized library media specialist mentoring program in the Iowa City Community School District. Discussion includes characteristics for successful mentoring; the role of mentors; benefits for mentors, proteges, and library media programs; and the evolution of the mentoring relationship. (AEF)

Examines current and future trends of the religious publishing market. States that a revival of interest in traditional religions and non-Western spirituality is supported by increased sales of religious and spiritual books, Gallup poll results, and the establishment of new religious publishers. A sidebar discusses the issue of Christian fiction…