Focuses on problems in making machine-readable data files (MRDFs) accessible and in using them: quality of data in MRDFs themselves (social scientists' concern) and accessibility--availability of bibliographic control, quality of documentation, level of user skills (librarians' concern). Skills needed by social scientists and librarians are…

Reviews developments of online systems in 1986, including available services and databases in several areas, and advances in information storage techniques. The impact of online services on the present and future responsibilities of professional searchers is discussed. (CLB)

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a two-week online seminar for high school students in which they were exposed to electronic bulletin boards, information systems, and bibliographic databases. Information on vendors, costs, access to systems, and supplementary materials is included. (CLB)

Describes how the Computer Database Advice Centre (CDAC) at Ealing College of Higher Education identifies potential user groups, assesses their information needs, and formulates demonstration seminars. Included is a preliminary evaluation of CDAC performance and usefulness, which is based on the demand for seminars and a user questionnaire. Costs…

Discusses the impact of changing library technologies on the role of technical services personnel. The areas discussed include online library systems, bibliographic utilities, networking trends, the proliferation of serials, electronic publishing, and the increased need for quality control in technical processes. (32 references) (CLB)

Discusses the importance of user cordial interfaces to the successful marketing of optical data disk products, and describes features of several online systems. The topics discussed include full text searching, indexed searching, menu driven interfaces, natural language interfaces, computer graphics, and possible future developments. (CLB)

Analyzes computerized reference and information services with respect to problems in the areas of (1) communication barriers between the user and the information specialist; (2) local resources development; (3) external resources policy; (4) search strategy development; and (5) artificial intelligence. (24 references) (Author/MES)

Discusses the George Washington University Library's experiences as a test site for Silver Platter/Psychlit. Advantages of the CD-ROM concept, including visibility, accessibility, costs, and sophistication, are noted; crucial issues in deciding whether to acquire a CD-ROM product are considered; and CD-ROM is described as a means for integrating…

This bibliometric investigation of literature on microcomputers in library and information services focuses on the years 1973-1986. Five printed reference tools and three online databases were searched to examine the number of publications, types of documents, contributing languages and countries, and the productivity of individual authors.…

Describes a number of initiatives by the U.S. national security community that might restrict or monitor public access to sensitive but unclassified information. The current status of the initiatives, and their possible impact on freedom of information in a democratic society are discussed. (27 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines the impact of online systems designed to be searched by end users on the process of database and product evaluation. Two testing methods, beta tests and user surveys, are evaluated, and possible solutions to testing problems are suggested. (CLB)

Describes program at Pennsylvania State University Libraries designed to inform faculty and graduate students about activities of library's fee-based search service and to explain individual subscription alternatives available to microcomputer owners for running searches. Registration form, results of pre-session and post-session questionnaires,…

The Drug-Interface, prototype system built to facilitate retrieval of drug related information, automatically connects to DIALOG Information Retrieval Service via available networks, aids user in formulating and/or revising search strategy, sends query to DIALOG, displays results of search, and downloads relevant pieces into Macintosh data file.…

Business researchers and marketers find certain databases useful for finding information on investments, competitors, products, and markets. Colleges can use these same databases to get background on corporate prospects. The largest data source available, DIALOG Information Services and some other databases are described. (MLW)