Discussion of online databases and their hardware and software requirements, interactive search techniques, and costs focuses on information services of interest to higher education. Bibliographic, full-text, and online conferencing databases are described, menu-driven and command-driven information systems are explained, and modems are discussed.…

Describes a survey of library systems and software vendors that examined the sources, management, and use of authority records in their systems and the functions of an authority control module within an integrated system. Several tables and graphs offer summaries and comparisons of vendors' offerings and capabilities. The questionnaire used is…

Examines the consequences of and implications resulting from the conversion of the Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) Microfiche Archive to optical data disk storage. The discussion focuses on changes made in data content, structure, and display, and the effect on user access and utility. (six references) (CLB)

Describes Janet (the Joint Academic Network), a wide area network linking computers and users in the British academic community. Topics discussed include interactive working; file transfer; electronic mail; job transfer; and online access to library catalogs, bibliographic and numeric databases, and commercial online hosts in Great Britain or…

Describes policies formulated by the Chinese government that use information technology to facilitate the development of scientific and technical information activities. Highlights include online information retrieval; the construction of databases, including Chinese language, numeric, and Chinese trade and technology databases; the development of…

Access to database information in libraries will increase as licenses for tape loading of data onto public access catalogs becomes more widespread. Institutions with adequate storage capacity will have full text databases, and the adoption of the Z39.50 standard, which allows differing computer systems to interface with each other, will increase…

This article describes data requirements in Public Law 99-457; discusses issues confronting states as they develop data systems, such as the problems of comprehensiveness, incompatibility, and confidentiality; examines data on numbers of infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services; and explores applications of a national database on…

Describes results of a CD-ROM Market Study that surveyed public, academic, and special libraries. Highlights include expenditures for CD-ROM versus online databases; budget allocations for CD-ROM; vendors and services; criteria for the selection of a CD-ROM database; the use of online services; local area networks (LANs); number of terminals; and…

Illustrates the use of computer data banks in history by examining the Medieval and Early Modern Data Bank (MEMDB) located at Rutgers University. States the database contains an expanding collection of historical monetary and price/wage data. Includes instructions, examples of search strategies, and an annotated bibliography. (CFR)

Describes the Web-based database project developed by school library media specialists (SLMSs) in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The database houses lessons created by more than 30 elementary SLMSs in the district, and is accessible online. The database project is composed of two sections: Literature Appreciation and Information Skills. (AEF)

The Outdoor Resource Library Cataloging System is a computer software program designed primarily for outdoor programs with small to medium-sized resource centers. The software is free to nonprofit organizations and is available from the Idaho State University Outdoor Program. The software is used to construct a database of library materials, which…

This paper presents an overview of the major Canadian online systems, which account for approximately 5% of information vendors and databases worldwide. Also described is DATAPAC, Canada's national telecommunications network, and DATAPAC's X.75 interface with TELENET, TYMNET, UNINET, and France's TRANSPAC. The online systems described include: (1)…

Includes a report on a use study of the Excerpta Medica system. (PF)

A mechanized current awareness service based on an in-house created bibliographic data base which is provided to Congress and to researchers at the Library of Congress is described. (Author)

A listing of organizations providing computer searches of the ERIC data base. (JH)