Describes the Book House, an interactive, multimedia online public access catalog (OPAC) developed in Denmark that uses icons, text, and animation. An alternative design model that addresses problems in OPACs is described; and database design, system navigation, use for fiction retrieval, and evaluation are discussed. (20 references) (MES)

Discussion of virtual reality and cyberspace focuses on applications in school media programs. Examples of fiction for adults and children dealing with these concepts, as well as related materials for educators, are suggested. The vast range of resources available to library media specialists through the Internet is also considered. (MES)

Discusses enduser searching of online databases and describes a study conducted at Ohio State University that compared two methods of assessing the success of enduser searches. Reasons for dissatisfaction are discussed, problems with online searches are examined, possible solutions are described, and further research is suggested. (20 references)…

A 1989 study at Cornell University compared students' competence, behavior, and preference in searching the ERIC database on Silver Platter CD-ROM systems for IBM and Macintosh computers. Although no significant differences in search success were noted between the systems, the majority of students expressed a preference for the Macintosh's…

The trend in the 1980s to provide an increasingly larger amounts of government information in electronic formats has led to concerns regarding the inclusion of electronic items in the depository library program (DLP). Inclusion of electronic formats in the DLP provides increased public access but also poses technical problems for the depository…

Survey of institutions offering a bachelor's or higher degree in library science showed that the higher the level of the program, the more likely that artificial intelligence/expert systems (AI/ES) courses would be offered. Study concludes that all master's and doctoral level programs should include AI/ES units, and that greater emphasis should be…

Discussion of the use of standards by archivists highlights the U.S. MARC AMC (Archives-Manuscript Control) format for reporting archival records and manuscripts; their interest in specific standards being developed for the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model; and the management of records in electronic formats. (16 references) (LAE)

Discusses essential features of interfaces to support end-user information seeking. Highlights include cognitive engineering; task models and task analysis; the problem-solving nature of information seeking; examples of systems for end-users, including online public access catalogs (OPACs), hypertext, and help systems; and suggested research…

Presents the latest updates of school library media certification requirements in the United States, including the title assigned for certification; levels of certification; educational program, experience, and testing requirements; specific areas of knowledge or competency expected; and a directory of credentialing agencies. (LRW)

Considers comparative prices for bibliographic data on CD-ROM and in print. Topics addressed include differences in the nature of bibliographic data in the two media, the relative complexities of pricing structure, varying policies on network pricing, and standardization of the licensing arrangement. (KRN)

Describes the results of a survey of graduating students in the fields of instructional design, media production, and media management that was conducted to determine their perceived level of preparation for the job market in the areas of computer utilization, library media education, educational video programs, and distance education. (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate the information skills abilities of students in Scottish Colleges of Further Education studying for the National Certificate in Business Studies. Topics addressed include highlighting keywords, identifying subject terms, appropriate search strategies, and results that indicate a need to improve…

Reviews issues associated with the development of information technology (IT) skills in higher education and considers the implications for library and information studies students. Highlights include graphical user interfaces; resources; documentation; staffing resources; teaching and learning processes; changing technology; new perspectives;…

Explores how people with disabilities use computer technology, as well as the issues involved in using this technology to access electronically published materials. Topics discussed include definitions of disability; uses of adaptive technology; the physical environment; documentation, training, and support; problems in accessing electronic media;…

Describes the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and the inclusion of abstracting and indexing industry databases in OPACs. Topics addressed include the implications of including abstracting and indexing tape and CD-ROM products in OPACs; the need for standards allowing library systems to communicate with dissimilar CD-ROM products; and computer,…