Describes the serials book catalog at the Iowa State University Library, one which provides access points generated automatically from the central serials database by a unique, locally written computer program. (FM)

Reviews some examples of library searches for both specified documents and specified subjects, and considers the distribution of library resources in relation to varying patterns of searches. (FM)

Describes a computer simulation model developed to provide information on the number of terminals or readers needed in the advent of microfilm or computerized catalogs in libraries. Systems with two to 14 terminals are simulated, and decision variables include average patron waiting time, number of patrons lost, and average terminal utilization.…

Problems of providing bibliographic access to university library-based information sources are discussed with focus upon bibliographies, card and union catalogs, and library classification schemes. (Author/MBR)

Questions the value of MARC records and considers the need for a new bibliographic standard. Topics include language and hierarchy; problems with print and electronic copies of the same work, especially in union catalogs; XML; merging records and authority control; and what to do with existing MARC records. (LRW)

Discussion of union catalogs and bibliographic networks covers library cooperation, interlibrary lending, the British Library Lending Division, and other functions of bibliographic networks such as cataloging. Criticisms of bibliographic utilities are also presented, including the negative effect of library cooperation on local book availability.…

Describes a study that examined the occurrence of untraced references in general explanatory see references, see also references, and scope notes in the machine readable Library of Congress Subject Headings. The discussion covers the effort required to review these fields, delete unposted references and tracings, and substitute posted ones in…

Reviews significant articles on various aspects of serials work appearing during 1988. Discussion of the articles is organized by the following topics: pricing; union listing and the holdings standard; serials cataloging; automated systems; electronic developments; publishing; subscription agents; collection management; developments outside the…

Describes a study that collected statistics on the occurrence of terms used in searching an online catalog and investigated the correlation of the selection of terms with their occurrence in indexing. The discussion of the results includes implications for indexing theories. (19 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,…

Examines the problem resolution phase of a retrospective conversion project of monographic records at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass). The kinds of problems encountered are categorized and discussed. Suggestions for developing editing guidelines are offered, and the guidelines developed for standardization of problem resolution at…

Discusses cataloging audiovisual materials and the concept of chief source of information and describes a study that compared citations from fully cataloged audiovisual records with their corresponding citations from bibliographic sourcebooks, based on records in AVLINE (National Library of Medicine's Audiovisual On-Line Catalog). Examples of…

Discusses problems of information distortion resulting from romanization (i.e., representation of nonroman scripts in Latin characters) and modifications of USMARC format to support nonroman scripts in library catalogs. Efforts to develop a universal character set and its potential effects on USMARC are considered. (45 references) (MES)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Examines whether the college catalog and language therein constitute a legally binding contract between college and student. Categorizes catalog litigation by cases involving dismissal, granting of degrees, tuition, admission, and course offerings. The courts appear to agree that the student-college relationship is contractual in nature and that…