The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) provides valuable historical and current data for research and decision making. Its organization, procedures, products, and services are described, including those of the Clearinghouse on Higher Education. Manual and computer search guides are provided. (MSE)

Describes three chemical information science courses offered by Indiana University (IU) Department of Chemistry. Also describes goals and operation of IU's Chemical Information Center, created to implement online searching of chemical databases and to assume operation of the IU dissemination of information services based on Chemical Abstracts…

Describes audio and digital recording devices, computer-assisted instructional systems, audiovisual aids, and viewdata systems used by British library schools in the instruction of online searching. Twenty-eight references are cited. (FM)

Describes VISION (Video Indexing for Searching over Networks), a digital video prototype developed at the University of Kansas to demonstrate the technology necessary for an online digital video library. Highlights include content-based search and retrieval of video over computer networks; full-text information retrieval; and future plans.…

In a study of library use and research behavior, 91 undergraduate and 68 graduate business students at California State University San Marcos were surveyed and observed for query formulation and task assignments, prereference process expectations, and postreference process responses. Findings support past research by pointing to user impatience…

Investigates the search behavior of CD-ROM database users in Zagreb (Croatia) libraries: one group needed a minimum of technical assistance, and the other was completely independent. Highlights include the use of questionnaires and transaction log analysis and the need for end-user education. The questionnaire and definitions of search process…

This article describes and tests a theory of scientific discovery learning based on the Scientific Discovery as Dual Search (SDDS) model. A study of 22 university chemistry students determined that conditions for performing a search operation in hypothesis space include sufficient knowledge of the search operation and reasons for choosing a…

Describes a study that investigated the affective responses of 83 subjects at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to 2 versions of a hypertext-based bibliographic retrieval system. The utility of using factor analysis to explore subjects' search experiences is explained, and the effects of different types of linkages are compared. (Author/LRW)

To determine if users of the library at Auburn University (Alabama) used the cross-references provided by the series title authority file in online catalog searches, this study performed a transaction log analysis of 2,793 searches and found that cross-references are used. The number of redirects rose as the number of cross-references in the…

Describes DocML, a Web-based digital library of university data that is used to build a system capable of preserving and managing student assignments. Topics include requirements for a digital library of university data; metadata and XML; three-tier architecture; user interface; searching; browsing; content delivery; and administrative issues.…

Discusses the need for a new model for subject access to government information in academic libraries as a result of the growing influence of supranational organizations. Highlights include the World Trade Organization (WT); ruling under transnational economic agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); private sector…

Explains Webcasts and discusses how they can be used for teaching. Topics include Webcast technology; streaming audio and video; bandwidth capacity; locating Webcasts, including search engine strategies for the Internet; using Webcasts in the classroom; similarities with other multimedia materials; expectations for students and faculty; and future…

This discussion of hypertext focuses on a study of undergraduates that explored the conditions for making hypertext a better environment than a traditional linear text for studying and for an information search. Highlights include the influence of students' learning styles; and the availability of navigation tools. (Author/LRW)

Studied users' queries for visual information in American history to identify the image attributes important for retrieval and the characteristics of users' queries for digital images, based on queries from 38 faculty and graduate students. Results of pre- and post-test questionnaires and interviews suggest principle categories of search terms.…

Describes a collaborative workshop designed by the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania to identify and teach World Wide Web search skills to librarians. Highlights include how information get on the Web and is indexed; evaluation of Web resources; types of search sites; and which search engine is the best. (Author/LRW)