Derives the underlying structure of the Zipf distribution, with emphasis on its application to word frequencies in the inverted files of automatic bibliographic systems, and applies the Zipfian model to the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database. An appendix on the Zipfian mean and 12 references are included. (Author/JL)

Describes the computing environment and command language for a new programing language called OUSBASIC which is designed to enable naive users to interact usefully, with little assistance, with a computer system. (Author/CHC)

Elements of computer use in teaching are explored. They include equipment expense; availability of quality software; development of interactive instruction; use of graphics, color, flashing, and sound; learner response; and feedback. (CT)

This description of the implementation of online search services in a small college library focuses on the low-cost, time-conscious methods adopted for searching, publicity, the policy for determining search fees, and evaluation. Sample materials provided include a poster, online statistics, a questionnaire, and a printout. (RBF)

Discusses the applications of online systems and other computerized systems in public library information and referral (I&R) services. A number of specific examples are presented and computer equipment and software relevant to I&R services are listed in two tables. A 10-item reference list and an appendix of I&R projects are attached. (JL)

Identifies and describes databases which cover business practice, policy, and principle; government activity; popular interest; and scientific, scholarly, or technical developments and specific information on products, services, and business lines, industries, companies, individuals, and geographic places. Nineteen figures illustrate sample…

Discusses and compares some online catalog systems actually in operation in terms of self-service usability; number, choice, and formulation of access points; record content and display; database content; connections to technical processing and circulation; number and location of terminals; equipment and software features; and cost. (Six…

Results of a preliminary experiment indicate that online computer-assisted instruction covering objective information is equal to or superior to traditional methods of training new student library workers. While it costs essentially the same, it frees staff members for other duties. (Author/RAA)

Findings of a project to convert a single LC class from cards to machine readable tapes at a two-year college suggest that an in-house retrospective conversion is feasible for academic libraries. A high conversion hit rate, implying minimal original cataloging, will keep project costs and duration low. There are five references. (RAA)

Contains nine papers read at the National Cataloguing Conference for 1981 of the section entitled, "Subject Retrieval in the 1980s." Topics include cost of subject access, research problems, options for automated subject access, and authority control. (Library Association of Australia, The Science Center, 35 Clarence St., Sydney, NSW…

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

The findings of a survey of depository librarians' involvement in and training in the use of online database searching, access to online terminals, and acquisition of microformatted government publications online are presented and discussed. Recommendations are made for increasing such involvement, and a 26-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Describes and presents in a table the contents, coverage, updating frequency, system availability, and thesauri available for 24 databases which provide business, medical, legal, criminal justice, and statistical information, as well as information from/on the U.S. Congress, the Federal Register, U.S. Government procurement, technical reports, and…

Lists and discusses factors affecting presearch interviews; common elements of the interview; and components of interviews with new or infrequent users, experienced users of search services, and on-site users. Do's and don'ts for library staff members during a search and skills and attributes for effective presearch interviews are also listed.…

Uses the example of bibliographic retrieval services to explore the potential impacts of historic usage trends, technological advances, actions/policies intended to enhance or control evolving services, and other social, economic, and political developments on areas of concern to users of online systems. Eight figures and 23 sources are included.…