Describes the evaluation of four relational database management systems (RDBMSs) (Informix Turbo, Oracle 6.0 TPS, Unify 2000 and Relational Technology's Ingres 5.0) to determine which is best suited for library automation. The evaluation criteria used to develop a benchmark specifically designed to test RDBMSs for libraries are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a workshop for teaching library users how to manage reprint files which was developed at the University of Southern California Norris Medical Library. Software programs designed for this purpose are suggested, and a sidebar lists software features to consider. (eight references) (MES)

Discusses shareware and public domain software for MS-DOS systems that are available through bulletin board systems (BBS). Problems with computer viruses are discussed; shareware available for communications, database and file management, spreadsheets, word processing, and menuing software is described; and source information for software is…

Describes the Pro-Cite database management system and its uses in searching RLIN, OCLC, DIALOG, BRS, etc.; downloading results on a floppy or hard disk; converting downloaded records into Pro-Cite databases; and editing, selecting, indexing, and printing out the selected records in a variety of bibliographic styles. (DMM)

Discusses the special characteristics of personal file management software and compares four microcomputer software packages: Notebook II with Bibliography and Convert, Pro-Cite with Biblio-Links, askSam, and Reference Manager. Each package is evaluated in terms of the user interface, file maintenance, retrieval capabilities, output, and…

Describes TEPACIS, a computer-aided instruction package to train users of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)-developed CDS/ISIS software, which is used to support the development of computerized textual databases. Discussion covers the structure of TEPACIS; development plans; hardware requirements; and…

Briefly describes some available database design tools and provides a detailed description and evaluation of the ER-Design Package, a sophisticated and comprehensive tool available on microcomputer. Some of the ER-Design functions evaluated include the main design module, diagram generation, conversion to relational schema, normalization of files,…

Describes a study that assessed the availability and use of microcomputer database management interfaces to online public access catalogs. The software capabilities needed to effect such an interface are identified, and available software packages are evaluated by these criteria. A directory of software vendors is provided. (4 notes with…

Presents description of the Generalized Automatic Text Organization and Retrieval system (GATOR), a database system that indexes and retrieves information from machine-readable texts such as interviews and case histories. Qualitative and quantitative analyses are discussed, and integrating GATOR with standard statistical packages is described.…

Describes an information retrieval system developed at Bell Laboratories to create and maintain a variety of different but interrelated databases, and to provide controlled access to these databases. The components discussed include the interfaces, indexing rules, display languages, response time, and updating procedures of the system. (6 notes…

Reviews the Total Library Computerization program, which can be used to manage small to midsized libraries. Discusses costs; operating system requirements; security features; user-interface styles; and system modules including online cataloging, circulation, serials control, acquisitions, authorities control, and interlibrary loan. (Author/JMV)

Discusses applications of Lotus Notes groupware developed by MCI Communications Corporation librarians. The development of administrative databases used for reference request tracking, interlibrary loan, book ordering and other purposes, and corporate wide databases used to disseminate internal and external information are described. The strengths…

Reviews two software packages, "Solutions Unlimited" and "BASIC Data Base System." Provides a description, summary, strengths and weaknesses, availability and costs. Includes reviews of three structured BASIC packages: "True BASIC (2.0)"; "Turbo BASIC (1.0)"; and "QuickBASIC (3.0)." Explains…

Describes the use of MultiLIS, a fully bilingual integrated library-management software package, at Laurentian University. The authority control module is explained, its potential as a control system for multilingual or multithesaurus controlled vocabularies is considered, and an evaluation of the MultiLIS authority module is presented with…