Reviews developments and products in the information industry that are aimed at the end user and identifies impediments to end user searching that may explain why end user access has not supported these products. Suggestions for overcoming these impediments are offered. (eight references) (CLB)

Discusses the deregulation of telecommunications in the European Community, the impact of this deregulation on information services, and the possible effects of a truly common market on U.S. and Japanese information industries. A sidebar by Nancy Garman describes major online databases devoted to information about the coming European Single…

Discusses the technological changes that will necessitate the prospective conversion of library data over the next decade and addresses the problems of converting data from obsolete personal computers to newer models that feature radically different operating systems. Three case studies are used to illustrate possible scenarios. (11 references)…

Describes a study that examined the use of a hypertext system by patrons of three museums. The results discussed include user preference for embedded menus over traditional indexes and user criteria for article selection. The discussion also covers appropriate approaches to analyzing usage data. (eight references) (CLB)

The Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster System allows comparison of a cohort of faculty at any selected time following their first faculty appointments. Disparities between men and women in rank attained in radiology and internal medicine were examined. (Author/MLW)

Describes the development and impact of minicomputer-based system of instructional management for the general psychology program at Texas Tech University (Lubbock). Discusses how a program might be used for educational research in other university settings. Suggests the program can be used in either large or small departments. (KO)

Reviews the literature dealing with the selection and evaluation of CD-ROM discs. Materials described include printed directories, product directories in journals, and reported methods of disc evaluation. Existing reviews of CD-ROM products are also cited, including reviews of databases, dictionaries and directories, products for library technical…

This article surveys recent developments in hypertext software, a highly interactive nonsequential reading/writing/database approach to research and teaching that allows paths to be created through related materials including text, graphics, video, and animation sources. Described are uses, advantages, and problems of hypertext. (PB)

Describes MICROsearch, a self-contained system developed at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources for searching selected portions of the ERIC database on a microcomputer, and recommends that library media specialists use the program to teach basic online searching skills to teachers who are planning to take summer courses. (BBM)

Evaluates the Library and Information Science Abstracts on optical data disk available through SilverPlatter Information Inc. The criteria discussed include installation instructions; ease of use; retrieval facilities; the results of a test search; the screen display; documentation; characteristics of the database; and cost and updating. (CLB)

Describes a project that is developing an intelligent search intermediary to help users locate relevant passages in large full text databases. (The system automatically reformulates Boolean queries to improve search results and presents retrieved passages in decreasing order of estimated relevance.) The current status of the project and plans for…

Describes a pilot study in which a single database was constructed to provide access by both descriptors and cited references. For each query, two equivalent sets were retrieved and evaluated for relevance to the query. It is concluded that using both search methods can increase both recall and precision. (32 references) (CLB)

Describes seven activities that offer opportunities for entrepreneurs working with information: leveraging database information; customizing information; facilitating access to information; speeding up the flow of information; repackaging information; providing around the clock delivery; and integrating computer, telephone, and electronic funds…

Reviews the history of the network that supports the MELVYL online union catalog, describes current technological and policy issues, and discusses the role the network plays in integrating local automation, the union catalog, access to resource databases, and other initiatives. Sidebars by Mark Needleman discuss the TCP/IP protocol suite, internet…

Provides an overview of the construction of a longitudinal tracking system that can be used to address questions of institutional effectiveness. Considers the efficacy and logistics of using data from assessment with longitudinal data to permit long-term tracking of students. (DMM)