Reviews recent trends in databases and online systems. Topics discussed include new access points for established databases; acquisitions, consolidations, and competition between vendors; European coverage; international services; online reference materials, including telephone directories; political and legal materials and public records;…

Describes use studies of CD-ROM products in American and western European academic, public, and special libraries. Comparative results of the surveys are reported, including effect of CD-ROMs on library use of online databases, difficulties with different vendors' search techniques, and desired subjects of optical products. (10 references) (LRW)

Discussion of bibliographic instruction for users of CD-ROM products highlights computer-based tutorials (CBT) that were developed at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Structured searching is described, and problems created by the lack of commercial CD-ROM tutorials and adequate training videos are…

Discussion of Web-based online public access catalogs (OPACs) focuses on a review of six Web OPAC interfaces in use in academic libraries in the United Kingdom. Presents a checklist and guidelines of important features and functions that are currently available, including search strategies, access points, display, links, and layout. (Author/LRW)

A team of library and computing staff was used to develop an Internet training program at the University of Limerick (Ireland). Its objectives were to present the Internet as both an information source and publishing medium, and to train faculty and staff in the effective use of these applications. The team adopted an iterative approach to the…

This paper identifies aspects of information flow that are affected by online provision of internal information. Reference is made to four case studies of Western Australian government agencies' steps toward becoming Internet information providers, and to the lessons learned from their experiences. Three key interdependent elements of…

Information retrieval on the World Wide Web has a major obstacle: although data is abundant, it is unlabeled and randomly indexed. This paper discusses the implementation of a consultative Web search engine that minimizes the expertise level that is required from a user to accomplish an advanced search session. The system takes advantage of the…

Describes a survey that was conducted involving participants in the library instruction program at two Canadian universities in order to describe the characteristics of students receiving instruction in Web searching. Examines criteria for evaluating Web sites, search strategies, use of search engines, and frequency of use. Questionnaire is…

Describes methods used to increase the participation of staff and students in their own searching at the European Institute for Business Administration. Areas discussed include the use of CD-ROM and floppy disks as alternatives to online searching, and the development of a prototype expert system to help users move between online and offline…

Introduction: The Internet has radically changed the global availability of scholarly publications. Today, a substantial part of the resources accessible for researchers and university students are offered through electronic site licenses, making the supply of easily obtainable information larger than ever. This brings forth an important question:…

Advanced level keyword and subject searching of library catalogs and CD-ROMs is a skill that requires an effective strategic approach. In this project developed at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia), video and computer assisted learning (CAL) materials were developed that would model the search process, provide experience to the…

This discussion of experimental information retrieval focuses on the mathematical and statistical skills needed by students in librarianship and information studies. Theoretical approaches to document representation, query representation, database searching, and evaluation are reviewed, and changes in library schools' curriculum are suggested.…

In response to the increased use of the Internet for information access and dissemination, and the explosion in the availability of resources which may be of interest to end-users, a number of services are now available which provide access to selected and evaluated resources. Many existing Internet search tools are inadequate due to the high rate…

This study surveyed customer needs and the information-usage behavior in two sectors, corporate end-users and academic end-users, both using business information. Questionnaires were distributed to 198 named senior managers of a large United Kingdom energy company (97 returned) and to 595 faculty members of 11 top business schools in 9 countries…

Reports on a collaboration between academic teaching staff who coordinate an undergraduate foundation course in computers and society at the University of South Australia. Highlights include information literacy and lifelong learning; the combination of face-to-face and online instruction; links from the portal; student assessment; search…