The Texas Information Exchange (TIE) is a state-wide library network organized in 1967 for the purpose of sharing resources among Texas libraries. Its membership includes 37 college and university libraries, the Texas State Library, and ten public libraries that serve as Major Resource Centers in the Texas State Library Communications Network. In…

Items to be considered in establishing on-line reference in a small to medium size library are vendor relations, equipment needed, number of data bases to offer, training of staff, and how to compute search costs. (JAB)

An overview is provided of a computer based reference course at the State University of New York at Albany which uses the ERIC file on BRS to teach online searching techniques. Course highlights include question negotiation, Venn diagramming, explanation of STAIRS file structure and Boolean logic, and management of services. (J PF)

Description of use of Search Helper--a newly developed, user-friendly software package designed to enable a microcomputer to be used in searching Information Access Company databases on Dialog bibliographic retrieval service--at California State University--Long Beach (CSULB). Highlights six databases available, necessary hardware, and reference…

Summarizes methods of searching currently available for OCLC, provides list of questions that can be answered with terminal (monographic series, mock subject searching, bibliography, government documents, serials, microforms, music, birth/death dates, corporate bodies, name authority, variant editions, artistic transpositions), and demonstrates…

Discusses the 10 questions most frequently asked concerning the installation of public library online services. Equipment considerations (choice of equipment, maintenance arrangements, baud rate), choice of databases and vendors, budgets, fees, training, elimination of printed tools, and promotion of the service are covered. (EJS)

This document reports on the e-mail-based question and answer services (digital reference) that the Department of Education offers to customers. The report is presented in five sections. Section 1, "Introduction," outlines the research goals which were to: analyze current processes, procedures and problems; suggest solutions for…

The automated Experimental Library Management System (ELMS) in use at the IBM Los Gatos Laboratory has proved to offer unique advantages in fulfilling the reference function. All records of the library, including complete bibliographic descriptions, order information and circulation status, are available at the librarian's fingertips at the…

Describes the dual service philosophy at McGoogan Library, University of Nebraska Medical Center, which includes fee-based online search services and free use of online databases for reference purposes. The position of the American Library Association, viewpoints from the field, and record-keeping and accounting procedures are reviewed. Seven…

Briefly summarizes the results of a recent American Library Association (ALA) study on "Financing Online Search Services in Publicly Supported Libraries." The background of the survey, the general patterns revealed by responses concerning the kinds of fees charged to users, and the availability of the complete study are included. (JL)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of online availability of computerized versions of encyclopedias and notes works currently and soon to be online, searching strategies (subject headings and full-text), cost effectiveness, and librarian skepticism. (EJS)

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Presents the results of a survey conducted by the ALA Office for Research to determine current practices with respect to the financing of online services in public libraries. Special emphasis is placed upon questions surrounding the imposition of user fees for such services. Seven tables summarize the data. (JL)

Identifies several common attitudes of institutions, trainees, and trainers regarding the training of a backup searcher. Ten tips are given for dealing with the less-than-perfect training situation, with recommendations (depending on the combination of attitudes) for internal or external training, or both. (SW)

Discusses the results of a 1979 survey of Canadian libraries in postsecondary education to determine the extent to which library automation is being used. (CHC)