Discussion of information literacy focuses on a study at Rutgers University that was conducted to determine how undergraduates evaluate the results of their CD-ROM database searches. A proposed instructional model is explained that is designed to give students the skills they need to use information sources successfully. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses reference management software that is used for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic and text files on personal computers. Uses in health sciences are reviewed, selection criteria are discussed, needs assessment is described, guidelines for selecting appropriate software are presented, and a list of software products is included.…

This study focused on how CD-ROM systems were being used in a college library and training users had received or assistance they required. Patrons completed surveys and librarians logged assistance requests to determine the level of assistance needed for CD-ROM workstations. Results showed most patrons need assistance from librarians even for…

Describes the redesign of a CD-ROM database interface by the Congressional Information Service (CIS) that addressed the needs of novice, casual, and expert searchers in academic libraries. Topics discussed include the user profile, the task profile, redesign goals, interaction style, menu design and implementation, system structure and the search…

Presents results of a survey of 10 vendors of microcomputer-based automated library systems. Directory information is provided for each vendor, as well as data on hardware requirements, system capabilities, and costs. (MES)

Describes a study that examined how well human intermediaries understand and translate a client's information need statement without the client being present. Virtual libraries are discussed; the satisfaction of a client is considered; and the use of term frequency as an indicator of content is described. (18 references) (LRW)

A factor analysis of affective data gathered from searchers of an online library catalog, and a card catalog allowed researchers to isolate factors leading to success or failure in information retrieval. Factor patterns serve to identify how searches are evaluated by users. Further research is suggested as are features to facilitate successful…

Discussion of human/system interactions that are fundamental to online searching focuses on studies that examined online searchers' performance on DIALOG when they searched specific users' questions. Cognitive tests that were given to searchers are described; and calculating the odds for relevance, precision, and recall is explained. (four…

Considers the success and satisfaction of end users' searches on CD-ROM systems. Topics discussed include introductory training lessons; the selection of appropriate databases; search strategies; and implications for the role of library staff and for staffing patterns. Examples of end-user search techniques and common errors are included. (11…

Discusses the processing of Arabic materials at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) library and describes the creation of an Arabic online catalog that supplements the catalog for non-Arabic materials. User needs are reviewed, library automation is discussed, and search strategies in the Arabic catalog are described.…

Describes an analysis of transaction logs of the online catalog at the University of Missouri-Kansas City that examined patron use of both controlled and uncontrolled vocabulary subject access during the same search session. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and recommendations are made for library instruction and online catalog design. (six…

Describes a study that was conducted at the School of Library and Information Science, University of Western Ontario, to examine search behavior of users in a hypertext information retrieval system. The effects of gender, search task, and search experience on two search options--analytical or browsing--are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of the school librarian in the electronic age. Topics include expanding services to include computer-based data and information-seeking strategies; working with classroom teachers; collection development versus access to information; information-center managers; and the teaching role of the school librarian. (LRW)

Reports results of a material-availability study in which library users were surveyed to determine their success in obtaining materials. Both OPAC users and CD-ROM journal-index users were studied and transaction logs verified their self reports. Recommendations for reducing search failures are discussed. (Author)

Reports on the design of an automated query system to help pharmacologists access the Derwent Drug File (DDF). Topics include knowledge types; knowledge representation; role of the search intermediary; vocabulary selection, thesaurus, and user input in natural language; browsing; evaluation methods; and search statement generation for the World…