This paper presents the results of a three-year project of the 22 libraries of the California State University (CSU) system to create an entirely new approach to information access. The Unified Information Access System (UIAS) is designed to provide integrated, single-search access to the full range of library information resources. In addition to…

This report develops an analytical framework based on systems analysis for evaluating electronic question/answer or AskA services operated by a wide range of types of organizations, including libraries. Version 1.0 of this framework was applied in June 1999 to a selective sample of 11 electronic question/answer services, which cover a range of…

The collection and services of the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) at the University of California Santa Barbara focus on geospatial information sources with links to geographic locations. Evaluation studies conducted within the ADL project are described as well as what was learned about user characteristics and reactions to ADL. (Author/AEF)

When called upon to aid in filtering through finance and investment information on the Internet, the business librarian is also faced with knowing what is available and how to find it. Web sites are identified that provide information about stocks and their exchanges, mutual funds, bonds, company annual reports, and taxes. (Author/AEF)

Provides an overview of Internet resources relevant to reference work in world history. It also presents URLs to select sites representing different uses of the World Wide Web in presenting information for the subject of World History. (Author)

Eight articles in this section focus on sports: the baseball mystique and scholarly publishing; importance of archiving sporting activities; museums and libraries partner to make sport history live; online resources for sports information; Webliography of general sports sites; public libraries responding to changing needs; sports fiction; and…

Describes international and regional centers of activity that specialize in educational and training technology. Areas of interest, services, research and development, keywords, and publications are included for many entries. Regional areas include Asia and Australia, Europe, Middle East, and South and Central America. (AEF)

The Network Information Specialists at AskERIC, an Internet-based information service for teachers, library media specialists, administrators, and others involved in education select and deliver information resources to the information seeker within 48 hours. A sampling of questions and responses is provided in the format of a representative day.…

A pilot telecommunications program for mainstreamed blind and visually impaired students, developed by Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Wantagh, New York), is described. Program components include online databases and electronic mail, a central support site, home sites for itinerant teachers, and district sites for students. (JDD)

Discusses ERIC practices related to the "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE). Presents information about problems with the clearinghouse system and the information gaps that result from these problems. Lists 65 journals that were on the CIJE list but were actually not processed by ERIC in the 5 years prior to the article. (JS)

Suggests that current conditions are nearly ideal for the effective meta-assessment of online reference services (ORS), in part because expected patterns and modes of service have not yet been established for emerging and evolving online environments, and in part because the distance between theory and practice regarding reference service in…

Highlights Web sites school library media specialists can use to help children deal with crisis and loss. Sources include: government; authorities in the field; media access and support; professional associations; and centers/other support groups. Includes suggestions provided on Web sites of the American Psychological Association, the National…

Explores some of the reasons for spotlighting Spanish language and Hispanic Internet sites on libraries' public access computers and recommends some sites for use by librarians working with Latino youth. (Author)

Describes the conceptual foundations for the Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM) metadata framework including adoption of the Dublin Core Element Set as its base referent, and extension of that set to meet the needs of the domain. Discusses selection and structuring of the units of description. Examines metadata generation, the association of…

This guide presents detailed descriptions of potentially effective approaches to preventing impaired driving by college students due to alcohol abuse. Chapter 1 provides an overview of alcohol-impaired driving and discusses changes in public attitudes, the scope of the problem, involvement of teens and young adults, and the challenge of reaching…