This paper discusses the building of a hypermedia-based reference station at the Wright Laboratory Technical Library, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Following this, the paper focuses on an electronic user survey from which data is collected and analysis is made. The survey data is used in a rapid prototyping approach, which is defined as…

This book is in the form of a bibliographic essay, and addresses the needs of educators seeking access to legal research materials. The first item discussed is court decisions and examples are given which demonstrate the importance of legal precedent. An explanation is given of the complicated systems for reporting court decisions and how the…

In an effort to promote computer literacy among advertising students, an assignment was devised that required the use of online database search techniques to find secondary research materials. The search program, chosen for economical reasons, was "Classroom Instruction Program" offered by Dialog Information Services. Available for a…

The role of academic reference librarians is taking new shape with the continuous development of library technologies. In addition to their traditional bibliographical, academic, and personal competencies, librarians also have to possess technological expertise in order to gain access to automated library processes both for themselves, and for…

Based on an analysis of online search evaluation forms collected from all types of U.S. libraries, and a pilot test of a draft evaluation form in selected federal research libraries, this report presents the work of the American Library Association's (ALA's) Machine-Assisted Reference Section (MARS) Committee on Measurement and Evaluation. The…

Included in this collection of papers from the Louisiana Library Association's Academic Section 1982 Micro Symposium are (1) an overview of the history and changing role of academic libraries by Jane P. Kleiner; (2) "Afro-American Literature and the Contemporary Publishing Industry," a paper by Dorothy Davis which discusses the present state of…

This report investigates seven document representations--configurations of controlled and free-text vocabulary--which can be used to search the INSPEC (Computer and Control Abstracts) and PsychInfo (Psychological Abstracts) databases. The performance of each representation is analyzed, as is overlap among the representations, i.e., the extent to…

These four papers presented at the Polytechnic of Central London School of Management focus on the management of technical innovation in libraries as it affects decision making, library organization, non-systems staff, and interlibrary cooperation. Procedures for implementing automation in a library are outlined: a system analysis and costing of…

Summarizing the organizational structure of operations and giving examples of the kinds of services provided, this report describes the establishment, work methods, and achievements of the National Rural Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse program maintains a specialized library, a reference service, and a technical assistance service…

The OSIRIS system is a prototype information retrieval system having the following components: an automated microfiche file having a capacity of 5000 punch card sized microfiche with a remote control 21 inch TV console for retrieving, magnifying (0-250X), and displaying any of the images on the microfiche; and a remote computer terminal for the…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…

Describes introduction of online information retrieval to high school seniors in a public school system. Highlights include background (hardware and software selection, choice of information utility, instructional objectives); database use; meeting curriculum needs; problems with print sources; online solutions; search strategies; requests for…

The second of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers equipment and supplies, future plans, service, staffing, training of staff and patrons, and statistics. A floor plan, user instruction sheet, and news release are included. (MES)

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Basis for systematic computerization of academic research library's reference, collection development, and collection management functions emphasizes productivity enhancement for librarians and support staff. Use of microcomputer and university's mainframe computer to develop applications of database management systems, electronic spreadsheets,…