This review of new developments and products in online services discusses trends in travel related services; full text databases; statistical source databases; an emphasis on regional and international business news; and user friendly systems. (Author/CLB)

Recent trends in the pricing of online database systems are described and their impact on searcher behavior and satisfaction is discussed. A design is proposed for a major research project that would use data gathered by the Information Market Indicators to assess the feasibility of a price-based solution. (CLB)

Reviews the literature on user studies in both online catalogs and bibliographic retrieval systems. User problems with both mechanical and conceptual aspects are reviewed and potential sources of problems due either to individual characteristics or system variables are discussed. Possible solutions and areas that need further research are noted.…

Reviews the historical development of online information in libraries, including computers, software, and networks. Highlights include quotes from leaders in the field; the end-user movement; commercial products from vendors; the spread of the Internet and its effects on online companies and searchers; options on the World Wide Web; and future…

Focus among library consortia is shifting from integrated library systems to digital library projects, resource sharing, collective database licensing, multivendors, and document delivery. This article presents a draft of a strategic plan for Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries consortia; it includes discussion of CARL's mission, vision, and…

Discussion of academic library instruction focuses on helping users learn online resources. Topics include science instruction; integrating short, subject-specific online instruction into the classroom; virtual tours; long-term approaches; integrating online modules into undergraduate courses; corporate librarians' efforts; and vendors' Web-based…

Discussion of online databases and their hardware and software requirements, interactive search techniques, and costs focuses on information services of interest to higher education. Bibliographic, full-text, and online conferencing databases are described, menu-driven and command-driven information systems are explained, and modems are discussed.…

Describes a survey of library systems and software vendors that examined the sources, management, and use of authority records in their systems and the functions of an authority control module within an integrated system. Several tables and graphs offer summaries and comparisons of vendors' offerings and capabilities. The questionnaire used is…

Various approaches to training for online users are described, including training that is available through schools of library and information studies, database producers, consultants, professional associations, and employers. Training methods are discussed, and the trend toward the use of computer-assisted instruction is examined. (55 references)…

Describes the design and development of a prototype expert system called ONLINE-EXPERT that helps users select online databases and vendors that meet users' needs. Search strategies are discussed; knowledge acquisition and knowledge bases are described; and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision analysis technique that ranks databases,…

Describes the Hawaii Department of Education's School Library Network Project and its approach to retrospective conversion for more than 200 school library media centers using a combination of 3 methods: in-house, full data entry; in-house, partial data entry; and full vendor contract. It is noted that a combination of these methods provides the…

Discusses problems and benefits of the electronic book and challenges in the electronic environment in terms of aggregation, pricing, authentication and authorization, presentation, downloading and printing, intellectual property, continued availability, and reliability and accessibility. Gives examples of commercial book aggregators and…

Argues that the Internet can continue its explosive growth only if it is carefully, constantly, and thoughtfully administered. Discusses the role of ISPs (Internet Service Providers); the need to respond to the market force; making the transition from the federal to the commercial level; funding; the domain name server; security; and challenges to…

With a decreasing federal presence, the public library must proactively develop its own presence in the National Information Infrastructure. This article examines current federal policy and new roles for libraries in ensuring connectivity, and offers recommendations for implementing both. Contains a summary of policy initiatives and strategies for…

This digest presents a reprint of an article which examines management principles that should be considered when implementing library end user searching programs. A brief discussion of specific implementation issues includes needs assessment, hardware, software, training, budgeting, what systems to offer, publicity and marketing, policies and…