This overview of the current users, common features, functions, and applications of online electronic information exchange systems, includes a discussion of both the benefits of such systems, and the problems they are likely to create. (RBF)

This third article in a five-part series focuses on personal computer software (instructional packages for the computer itself). Topics covered include 11 categories of microcomputer software, evaluation and selection, purchase, version numbers and upgrades, copy protection, disk operating system commands, preparation of master disk, batch files,…

Describes the "Toronto Globe and Mail" database-the first example of the entire text of a major daily newspaper online, and notes the file elements and possible search strategies. (RAA)

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Discusses developments in the application of computer and microform technologies to the storage and management of large map collections, including online cataloging systems, digital databases, videodiscs, microfilm, and the role of map librarians. A bibliography lists more than 70 sources. (FM)

Identifies presenters' aversion to an Internet-assisted presentations for fear of failed Internet connectivity, and discusses options offered by "offline browsing" software that allows users to download information for later offline use. Lists features of an ideal offline browser. Illustrates problems with early backup methods. Reviews…

Demonstrates that hierarchical naming schemes--one with a single namespace and fixed root spread over all machines in a distributed system, and a second with total namespace composed of some aggregation of individual namespaces of each component system's filestores--can coexist in distributed computer systems. Combined system's design is…

Describes an online library catalog in which bibliographic references have been compiled by simply transcribing the descriptive data found on the title page and elsewhere on the documents, and discusses the wider implications of the use of natural language descriptions without modifications. Eleven references are listed. (FM)

Describes ways of using Boolean questions with a clustered information file, and reviews an experiment studying the effect of such a retrieval method. (FM)

Describes a hardware/software configuration based on personal computers and commercially available generic software that has been assembled to support online bibliographic database searchers. Searchers' ability to trade scripts to transfer expertise in this complex field, and to provide facilities for post-processing of downloaded citations are…

Describes the requirements, data elements, functions and systems design for an online search log which maintains records of search services provided. (CWM)

Examines design functions of present file organizations in the context of available data storage devices and identifies current developmental trends. (Author/RAA)

Offers suggestions for avoiding common errors in online microcomputer use. Areas discussed include learning the basics; hardware protection; backup options; hard disk organization; software selection; file security; and the use of dedicated communications lines. (CLB)

Compares two online information services on basis of target audience, communication services, news and publications, business and financial features, education-related features, online publication and information, personal service features, travel offerings, remote computing services, other facilities, navigating through utility, online storage…

Addresses the question of whether interest in downloading into local electronic libraries is a reflection of user needs or is being generated by those who have something to sell. Growth of online services, growth of local computer capacity, purposes of a local electronic library, and sources of data are highlighted. (EJS)