Discusses criteria for evaluating school library information services. Highlights include types of services; physical facilities; library usage; circulation statistics; changes due to technology; fill rate, or the percentage of successful searches for library materials; OPAC (online public access catalog) reports; observation; and examining…

Examines the role of the online catalog in school libraries. Addresses the evolution of the online catalog, discussing connectivity, integration of technical and public services, networked hardware and software, user interface, and searching the catalog. Discusses the dual role of the library media specialist, of managing the catalog and offering…

Describes experiences of a school whose students use laptop computers to access school library resources, online databases, and local university online catalogs for research projects. Discusses use of a local area network that is partly wireless; and presents issues librarians should consider, including requiring print and electronic resources and…

Proposes an operational definition of relevance for a Web-based library catalog. Proposes measures that characterize user behavior while searching a Web-based library catalog. Develops a methodology to predict when a user's search will be perceived to be relevant by the user. Tests the methodology with over 900,000 user search sessions with the…

Reports on new products and services unveiled at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in New Orleans, including a remote training service for librarians installing new automation systems which offers complete interactive user instructions via the Web; products for managing digital collections, including accessing online catalogs…

The feasibility of using the verbal protocol method as a means of conducting field research on the online catalog is examined. As 10 undergraduate students conducted research they talked aloud about what was happening. Potential usefulness of the method in online catalog research is assessed, as a development tool and as a tool to assist reference…

Electronic reference resources are expanding traditional print reference collections far beyond the walls of the library building. While the library literature has seen a debate rage about the various merits and pitfalls of electronic reference sources, no one disputes they are here to stay. As more of the library content becomes available through…

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…

The production of a computer output microform (COM) catalog using Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) records on magnetic tape is outlined. (Author/PF)

A brief survey of cataloging systems in use at the Map Division is presented, emphasizing the current conversion to an automated cataloging system adapted from the Library of Congress Map MARC Program. (Author)

The growth of library networks throughout the world is described briefly. (PF)

This digest highlights bibliographic file creation and maintenance practices that affect a library's ability to use various automated system capabilities for current and future applications. The first section covers database creation options, cataloging resource file forms, and record creation and editing. The importance of adherence to MARC…

Policies for cataloging legal materials are presented; a rationale for adoption is given for each policy; and implications, recommendations, and procedures are noted when warranted. Sections cover both catalog and file maintenance, descriptive cataloging, classification, OCLC usage, departmental work flow, and special materials such as serials and…

The simplified systems for cataloging and classifying exhibition catalogs used at the Marlborough Gallery Library and the Wildenstein Gallery Library in New York are discussed, with emphasis on the brief kind of bibliographic information and other points of access needed in a non-research oriented library. (Author)

Two studies concerned with optimizing the effectiveness of design of bibliographic materials given certain practical constraints are reported. (Author/PF)