Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans.…

Examines the new pricing policy adopted by the Chemical Abstracts Service, which is based on search term charges rather than connect time. Technical and business developments leading to this change are reviewed, and reactions of several experts in the online field are included. (MES)

Several leaders in the online industry react to the sale of DIALOG by Lockheed to Knight-Ridder and comment on possible future directions for DIALOG. A sidebar describes the Knight-Ridder organization and its information services. (MES)

Comments based on actual reference use of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--formerly BALLOTS--in a library environment focus on RLIN files, interlibrary loan, search keys, and subject searches. This article updates a description of BALLOTS as it was developed by Stanford University to support cataloging and acquisitions (Online,…

Compares traditional online interview with the presearch counseling session (process whereby a librarian, acting in an advisory role, assists client searcher in devising his/her search strategy, before that searcher goes online) and presents a one-step model of a presearch counseling session. An online self-service worksheet and 102-item…

Identifies several common attitudes of institutions, trainees, and trainers regarding the training of a backup searcher. Ten tips are given for dealing with the less-than-perfect training situation, with recommendations (depending on the combination of attitudes) for internal or external training, or both. (SW)

Describes the successful use of online database systems by the Library Services Division, Center for the Study of Youth Development at Boys Town for answering specific, limited reference questions; and identifies system use in acquisitions, interlibrary loan verification, name/address verification, and identification of persons, groups, or…

Presents suggestions to librarians for helping patrons who want to perform their own online searches. Background information, end user training, equipment (hardware and software), continuing help, and document delivery are discussed. Ten references are included. (EJS)

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Sarah Warner is manager of content licensing for Amulet, which provides an Internet-based automated research service in information technology (InfoWizard). In this interview, she discusses her work experience as a cataloger and information center manager, carry over skills from past positions, her present responsibilities in content management,…

Outlines the advantages of the Internet for special and reference librarians. Describes the purpose and operation of four electronic discussion lists--BUSLIB-L, MEDLIB-L, LIBREF-L, and STUMPERS-L--noting that the interactions provide the greatest benefits to librarians both for reference service and discussion of common interests and problems.…

Describes Kentucky libraries' participation in a pilot project allowing dial-up access to LOCIS (Library of Congress Information System). The two elements of LOCIS, SCORPIO (Subject-Content-Oriented-Retriever-for-Processing-Information Online) and MUMS (Multiple Use MARC System) are explained, and the use of LOCIS for reference, cataloging, and…

Provides an interview with K. Wayne Smith, chief executive officer of OCLC, that focuses on OCLC's online reference services. Topics include the ratio between technical and online reference services, how OCLC fits into the online industry, telecommunications, electronic publishing, pricing, database tape leases, and CD-ROM. (EAM)

Based on online searching experiences on microcomputer at a small liberal arts college, this article outlines for the novice advantages and disadvantages of micro-searching, legal implications, future trends, and factors to consider in selecting hardware and software. A 16-item bibliography arranged in order of usefulness and 10 references are…

Discusses issues that managers of academic library electronic reference services are facing. Topics discussed include the quantity of mediated searches; organizational changes, i.e., who electronic services staff report to; management by committee; administrative options; changing job responsibilities of searchers and other staff members, both…