The DIALIB Project was a 3-year experiment that investigated the potential of the public library as a "linking agent" between the public and the many machine-readable data bases currently accessible via the telephone using online terminals. The study investigated the following questions: (1) Is online search of use to the patrons of a…

This is the final report of the evaluation of the DIALIB project--an investigation of the public library as a linking agent to major scientific, educational, social, and environmental data bases. The report is presented in seven sections and four appendices as follows: Section I provides an introduction to the study and a brief summary of the…

The use, history, and role of machine-readable data base technology is discussed. First the development of data base technology is traced from its beginnings as a special resource for science and technology to its broader use in universities, with descriptions of some specific services. Next the current status of mechanized information services in…

The Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-sharing System (BALLOTS) is a computer-based interactive system which supports the acquisition, cataloging, and bibliographic searching processes in the Stanford University Libraries. This document provides extensive descriptions of: (1) the BALLOTS system, (2) its files and…

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) inhouse library systems fall into two principle categories: basic library inventory systems and literature retrieval systems. Currently, the library network supports three inventory systems: the journal system; the hard bound book system; and the circulation system. At the same time, five efforts are…

A true library network is the interfacing of more than one kind of system (i.e., public and academic) rather than cooperation between libraries of the same type. Networks may take many forms, such as: cooperative development of resources, with assignment of subject areas to separate facilities; a cooperative storage system, with the libraries…

This study of microcomputer use to access an online encyclopedia revealed attitudes of eighth-graders towards computer technology and videotex. Electronic searching is compared to searching with traditional library print materials for a science course, the role of computer printouts is discussed, and research methods including observation and…

Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)

A team of library and computing staff was used to develop an Internet training program at the University of Limerick (Ireland). Its objectives were to present the Internet as both an information source and publishing medium, and to train faculty and staff in the effective use of these applications. The team adopted an iterative approach to the…

This paper identifies aspects of information flow that are affected by online provision of internal information. Reference is made to four case studies of Western Australian government agencies' steps toward becoming Internet information providers, and to the lessons learned from their experiences. Three key interdependent elements of…

Information from the U.S. Government is appearing with increasing frequency on the Internet. In many cases, the Internet is the only place to locate important government information. Virtually all agencies maintain their own web pages, which include linked statistical data, news releases, and other full-text publications. In the future, more data…

This second edition of a resource designed to help teachers find relevant information on the Internet for both themselves and their students, provides concise reviews of more than 1,000 Web sites sorted by subject area. Each site is evaluated with one to five stars for content, presentation and grade level. Easy-to-follow explanations are provided…

The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret the cognition of a graduate student during information retrieval using the World Wide Web. The participant was a doctoral student in psychology with little experience using the Internet, and even less experience with the World Wide Web. The student performed an open search of her dissertation…

This publication for career counselors is an easy-to-use, practical guide to identifying useful websites, incorporating them into career planning services, and gaining awareness of ethical concerns. "Overview: Websites in Support of Career Planning" (JoAnn Harris-Bowlsby) describes four categories of career planning websites: assessment,…

Information retrieval on the World Wide Web has a major obstacle: although data is abundant, it is unlabeled and randomly indexed. This paper discusses the implementation of a consultative Web search engine that minimizes the expertise level that is required from a user to accomplish an advanced search session. The system takes advantage of the…