The basics of online searching for bibliographic citations are presented through use of the "Economic Literature Index" (ELI), which is available as File 139 on Dialog Information Services. This article focuses on the choice of media for bibliographic searches, search strategies, and the selection of alternative databases, such as…

As part of its continuing interest in evaluating new technological developments, including videotex, the National Library of Australia presents a synopsis of a 1981 study by Insearch Ltd. and an in-house assessment of the potential usefulness of interactive videotex services for the Australian business and library communities. The Insearch study…

A survey was conducted of school media centers throughout the United States to determine: (1) how computers are being utilized by these centers, (2) the levels of satisfaction with present services, and (3) whether or not the services being provided by the computer are cost effective. Responses to survey forms returned by 20 school districts and…

A research project sponsored by the Illinois State Library had two goals: to develop a set of mathematical models suitable for predicting the impact of alternative library network policies on network preformance, and to demonstrate through series of case studies that the methodology developed could feasibly be applied to real library networking…

DIALOG, an interactive, computer-based information retrieval language, consists of a series of computer programs designed to make use of direct access memory devices in order to provide the user with a rapid means of identifying records within a specific memory bank. Using the system, a library user can be provided access to sixteen distinct and…

Describes a computerized reference and bibliographic instruction system currently under development at the University of Waterloo Library. The functions of the system, which will include query negotiation, suggestions for research strategies, referral to appropriate reference materials, information on library services and locations, and library…

Based on manual observation of 187 zero result online searches at a university library, this article addresses three types of problems that can produce such search results: multiple database searching, topic negotiation, and database availability. A summary of conceptual and practical recommendations for searchers are provided. (6 references) (EJS)

Research libraries play essential role in the dissemination of both bibliographic and numerical information, including acquisition, processing, cataloging, retrieval, and document delivery. Most functions have been affected dramatically by application of the computer and library services at Massachusetts Institute of Technology that have evolved…

Based on questionnaires collected from 1980 to mid-1984, this study evaluates user satisfaction with online reference services at Northern Illinois University Library. Highlights include frequency of databases searched, relevance of references, search value, defining and measuring information needs, and suggestions for improvement of service and…

Description of the rapid growth and development of Texas A&M's Sterling C. Evans Library during the past decade focuses on collection growth to over 1.4 million volumes, staffing increases, automated programs and services including over 100 microcomputers for computer-assisted instruction housed in Learning Resources Department, and online…

This survey of the literature reveals user and professional opinions of changes in subject access features available for online public access catalogs. Highlights include expanded access to fields already incorporated into traditional MARC record, access to context of the record, and design of the user interface. Twenty-four references are cited.…

Describes three ways in which libraries use computers to enhance reference services: "Answers," the community information and referral service at Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts; the Hot Topics File at State University of New York/Oswego, Penfield Library; and features of RLIN and WLN databases which make them valuable…

Describes the VECM (Vocational Education Curriculum Materials) database and how it can help solve curriculum problems. Elements of this database are discussed: ease of entry and retrieval of information, how information is coded, equipment needed to gain entry, how to use the database, uniqueness of the database, and membership information. (CT)

Presents literature that describes the online negotiation process in general terms and summarizes views of authors who have dealt with the interview in the reference process. Specific aspects of the online negotiation interview and the measurement of user satisfaction are highlighted. Ninety-one references are cited. (EJS)

In order to determine the feasibility of offering free online searches to undergraduates at Texas A&M University's Evans Library, free searches were offered to selected technical writing classes. Student evaluation of the searches are provided and ways to make the service available to undergraduates are suggested. Ten references are cited.…