Describes the management of online information services at ICI Plastics Division in terms of control and development, reviews implications for higher management, and identifies problems and opportunities related to manpower, money, materials, machinery, and time. Project RADIUS (Rapid Access to Data and Information by Untrained Scientists) is also…

Reviews recent advances in microtechnology and describes the impact they will have on computer aided instruction and learning. It is suggested that distributed systems based on network technology will become widespread, and computer assisted guidance systems will be developed to assist new unskilled users. Eight references are given. (CHC)

Reviews the questions and issues which must be addressed as libraries enter an age in which the development of online catalogs for library users is becoming more feasible. Viability of online catalogs, current activities in catalog development, variables involved in catalog design, and the potential of online systems are discussed. (JL)

This continuation of an earlier article discusses online vendors' responses to users' concerns as well as the future of online services. Maxwell Online, Dialog, Mead Data, Data-Star, and Dow Jones News/Retrieval address user needs, search strategies, databases, document retrieval and display, user interface, and cost and economic issues. (LRW)

Argues for simplification in the use and development of bibliographic standards to increase usability by librarians and patrons and to reduce costs for libraries. The application of technology such as hypertext is also considered. (EA)