The World Wide Web can provide direct market research data inexpensively or can target the appropriate professional online database and narrow the search. This article discusses the Web presence of research and investment firms, financial pages, trade associations, and electronic publications containing market research data. It lists Uniform…

Discusses the growing trend in aggregated article databases and includes individual views from a panel discussion. Highlights include publisher's embargoes of current content; views of academic libraries and of vendors; full-text issues; the Tasini v. New York Times Supreme Court case; consortial buying; and future possibilities. (LRW)

The increasing popularity of digital information has brought great convenience to library patrons. It has, however, posed challenges to libraries in achieving their major missions, i.e., preservation and dissemination of information. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon are dichotomous: the restrictions imposed by electronic information…

"MIX" is an online publishing service and information exchange from the Educational Management Services Division of McGraw-Hill. Through computer conferencing and electronic mail, MIX provides access to a network of people across the country who are seeking ways to put computers to use to improve the quality of education. MIX is an…

Reviews optical technology products currently on the market, including their storage capacities, formats and uses, and outlines the benefits of integrating optical storage devices with online databases. A description of the HAYSTACK system is offered as a model of optical technology for library applications. A suggested reading list is provided.…

Customized Internet services deliver news and selected research via e-mail, fax, Web browser, or their own software. Some are clipping services while others are full-fledged online newspapers. Most charge a monthly subscription fee, but a few are free to registered users. Provides the addresses, cost, scope, and evaluation of eight services. (PEN)

The choice of multimedia authoring systems influences the development and cost of multimedia projects. Provides a method of selecting authoring systems and organizes selection criteria into two classes for analysis: functional (authoring metaphor, interactivity, scripting language, testing paradigm, object orientation, multimedia component…

Discusses the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) E-Metrics project that is investigating problems related to collecting and using data for electronic materials and services. Describes a survey of libraries that focused on data collection activities and showed a lack of preparation as well as a lack of consistent statistics from database…

Explores the future of library automation from the perspective of online vendors. The discussions cover CD-ROM, online catalog, and gateway technologies, together with such issues as standards, cooperation, and cost effectiveness. The emphasis is on problems that must be conquered if these technologies are to reach their potential. (CLB)

Describes the events that led to the creation of the Rural Information Center (RIC), a joint venture between the Extension Service and the National Agricultural Library to provide information to government officials involved in rural development. The databases accessed by RIC are described, and plans for a gateway system and network of all…

Discusses client-server architecture in dumb terminals, personal computers, local area networks, and graphical user interfaces. Focuses on functions offered by client personal computers: individualized environments; flexibility in running operating systems; advanced operating system features; multiuser environments; and centralized data…

Traces the development of database production and the online industry in Australia, focusing on recent trends, problems and prospects for future online and CD-ROM use. Argues that new pricing arrangements can provide growth in a market fragmented by increases in specialization and government information, and in numbers of vendors, databases, end…

Provides a brief description of the Z39.50 information retrieval standard and reviews evaluation criteria and questions that should be asked when selecting a Z39.50 client. Areas for consideration include whether to buy or build a Z39.50 client, the end-user's requirements, connecting to a remote server, searching, managing the search response,…

Discusses problems for information professionals arising from traditional copyright legislation, as well as from the proposed Uniform Commercial Code 2B on information licensing. Highlights include responsibility of information consumers; World Wide Web terms and conditions, including those of newspapers and publishers; privacy issues; database…

Discusses access to Internet resources in school libraries, including the importance of evaluating content and appropriate use. The following online services that provide current factual information from legitimate resources are described: SIRS (Social Issues Resource Series), InfoTrac, EBSCO Host, SearchBank, and the Electric Library. (MES)