Discussion of various alternatives for privatization of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) being studied by the Department of Commerce highlights issues identified in the April 1986 notice in the Federal Register, representative users' comments, the range of NTIS services and products, and the implications of privatization for…

Eight articles serve as an introduction to the growing presence of technology in libraries. Topics covered include going online with microcomputers, a selection guide to database management software, sensible groundrules for circulating software, selection of software for microcomputer centers, and setting standards for microcomputers in…

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local computer-access to Information Access Company's periodical databases and offers libraries an extensive, self-contained reference system. The system, which employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player, provides advantages of online searching at…

Ten articles describe genealogical collections of the National Archives and Library of Congress, state archives programs, academic research libraries, Allen County Public Library (Indiana), Newberry Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints genealogical library, and New England Historic Genealogical Society, and approaches to Black…

Investigates relationships among: techniques used by search analysts during interviews with users before engaging in online retrieval of bibliographic citations ("open" and "closed" questions, pauses of different lengths); amount of new information gained by user as result of search; and user's satisfaction with quality of…

Throughout 1999 and 2000, 234 academic institutions in Canada--66 university libraries and 168 college libraries--were asked to respond to a survey of library services for off campus users. Previous surveys were conducted in 1984 and then again in 1988. It was felt that with the advent of the World Wide Web, increased levels of library automation,…

Presents the results of a survey of academic libraries belonging to the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) concerning the availability and accessibility of OCLC (via dedicated or dial access terminals) for use by reference personnel. The methodology of the survey is described and data are presented in five tables. (JL)

Describes an informational program called Guidance Information System (GIS) which enables admission officers to counsel and advise high school students on various college and career options. Discusses the use of GIS in a visitation program, the role of GIS in recruitment philosophy, and university use of GIS. (RC)

Describes the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) efforts in China, Germany, Canada, Scotland, Jamaica and Brazil. Discusses FirstSearch, an end-user reference service, and WorldCat, a bibliographic database. Highlights international projects developing increased OCLC online availability, database loading software, CD-ROM cataloging,…

The University of Akron (OH), through its affiliation with OhioLINK, has implemented University Microfilms International's (UMI) PowerPages, a full-text electronic document delivery tool, throughout its library system. This article describes OhioLINK, PowerPages, and the University of Akron's experience with the service. Discusses the benefits and…

High school students can use the Internet to investigate colleges and explore employment opportunities. Twenty-two Web sites are listed, and four online projects developed by library media specialists for high school juniors and seniors involving online research, exploration of college Web sites, creation of working bibliographies, and job…

Forty-six panels address topics including women in information science; users and usability; information studies; reference services; information policies; standards; interface design; information retrieval; information networks; metadata; shared access; e-commerce in libraries; knowledge organization; information science theories; digitization;…

Ohio State University Library studied abilities of undergraduates to identify correct sources for answering reference questions when using the online catalog and the Sourcefinder database with its new Question Unit feature. Users located subjects and instructions at a greater percentage with Sourcefinder than with the online catalog. Topics…

Three studies examined public library reference services use by patrons in Anglo, Hispanic, and Vietnamese communities in California. Interview questions concerned search topics, use of staff help, perceived usefulness of search result, successful search strategies, reasons for not seeking help, foreknowledge of sources, reasons for using the…

The increasing use of automated access, electronic materials, changes in communication, and philosophical disputes concerning the nature of archives have led to questions about current archival practice. Provides an overview of archival reference: current practice; reference, access, and outreach; research in use and users of archives; automation;…