Describes a public library's newspaper index which provides unique genealogical and historical information, and supplements or replaces lost official records for local counties in the form of a printed index. The process of database design, staffing, software and hardware requirements, working with a programmer, and data entry are explained. (EM)

Describes the OCLC electronic publishing project EIDOS, the Electronic Information Delivery Online System. EIDOS will contain a central database of book texts in machine-readable form and local libraries will hold files which provide keys to access books in specific subject areas. EIDOS is expected to be field-tested in 1988. (EM)

Describes the use of a database management system (DBMS)--dBaseII--to create an enriched title-based keyword index for a collection of news items at the Renewable Energy Resources Information Center of the Asian Institute of Technology. The use of DBMSs in libraries in developing countries is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

Compares traditional online interview with the presearch counseling session (process whereby a librarian, acting in an advisory role, assists client searcher in devising his/her search strategy, before that searcher goes online) and presents a one-step model of a presearch counseling session. An online self-service worksheet and 102-item…

Describes storing of "hedges"--lists of terms on specific subjects--for use in responding to repeated search requests which cannot be retrieved via existing controlled vocabulary. Use of hedges at National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Library, frequently used examples, and Excerpta Medica hedges are highlighted.…

Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

This article summarizes the 1986 Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association (ALA) held in Chicago, Illinois, January 18-23. Discussion covers debate over Lacy Report, censorship, ALA's financial situation, divestiture and the ALA endowment, debate among ALA candidates, federal matters, continuing education, service to members, and…

Summary of American Library Association's (ALA) 1986 Midwinter Meeting highlights administrative reports, legislative update, government publishing update, finances and operations (the long range outlook), the Oxford Project, library education, standards, issues and ideas, accreditation project, toward a White House conference, aspiring ALA…

Explains how offering children "library time" during the first 15 minutes of the school day can provide the teacher time to take care of other class management tasks. (HOD)

Reviews the conception and services of ALANET, American Library Association's (ALA) electronic information service designed to create an electronic mail system and develop a wide-ranging information service to improve access to information resources of ALA. External databases, professional information services, communications networks, assisting…

Discusses five-year review of the issue of library reproduction of copyrighted works mandated by Section 108(i) of Copyright Act of 1976. Highlights include preparation for Register's report (advisory committee, hearings, King Research report, librarian/copyright proprietor meetings); findings; and recommendations (voluntary agreements and…

Addresses seven changes in role of the information professional--role as part of information transfer chain, need to harness technology and management tools, shift to individual-oriented information services, need for new directions in education, changing image of information professional, ethical commitment, increased international awareness.…

The establishment, operation, and evaluation of the Occu Sort career exploration kit in a university library is described. The kit was cost effective and useful to a wide variety of students. Kit helpfulness was not differentiated by sex of user, reason for using it, or previous career assistance. (BL)

Introduces new technologies that provide instant translation of print materials in three general categories: optical to tactile conversion of print, optical to braille conversion, and optical to speech. Talking books, voice indexing, new braille technologies, print to braille, and optical print enlargement are highlighted. A list of sources is…

Describes databases frequently used in Business Information Center, Cummins Engine Company (Columbus, Indiana): Dun and Bradstreet Business Information Report System, Newsearch, Dun and Bradstreet Market Identifiers, Trade and Industry Index, PTS PROMT, Bureau of Labor Statistics files, ABI/INFORM, Magazine Index, NEXIS, Dow Jones News/Retrieval.…