The current status of MELVYL, the University of California's prototype online catalog, is described in a hypothetical conversation between the catalog and several users. Examples illustrate features of the two search modes available for this patron-accessed system: COMMAND for the novice, and the more sophisticated LOOKUP. (RBF)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networks. Highlights include network technology, including local area networks; an example of an installation at the South Bank Polytechnic (United Kingdom) library; interface issues, including standardization; possible future developments; licensing arrangements; and acquiring data in formats other than CD-ROM.…

Describes OASIS, a prototype adaptive online catalog implemented as a front end to the University of California MELVYL catalog. Topics addressed include the concept of adaptive retrieval systems, strategic search commands, feedback, prototyping using a front-end, the problem of excessive retrieval, commands to limit or increase search results, and…

This report describes the work of the Onscreen Documentation Subgroup in revising screens for GALIN, the University of Georgia (UGA) Libraries new online system. The responsibilities of the Subgroup were to revise screens from the previous online catalog and to create basic help screens, primarily for the command searching mode. Responsibilities…

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

Describes development of an online catalog for Dartmouth College Libraries by Dartmouth and Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS). Highlights include Dartmouth parameters; capability of creating a fully inverted file for entire bibliographic citation provided by BRS software; features of BRS/Dartmouth user interface; telecommunications links; and…

A brief review is provided of the strategy, information services, seminars, demonstrations, software acquisition policy, educational development, and cooperative efforts of the CEDAR Project, which aims to encourage and facilitate the development and effective use of educational computing within Imperial College, the University of London, and…

A laserdisc periodical index (InfoTrac) that offers relatively sophisticated search capabilities without librarian assistance or user training is now popular college library research tool. The index database consists of more than half million references to articles and reviews published since 1982 in 1,000 general interest, business, and technical…

Describes use of microcomputers with system called "TBBS" ("The Bread Board System") at Loma Linda University Medical Center to allow users enhanced services from home, whether library facilities are open or not. Flexibility and security, dialing into medical library, and suggestions for setting up similar computerized…

Presents the background, database, user instructions, design criteria, hardware, and commands of the online catalog system at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) library, as well as self-instructional features of the system. Evaluation of systems use and potential applications are discussed, and sample displays are provided. (RBF)

Describes research and development of the Mercury Electronic Library Project, which was developed at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries to design an advanced retrieval system. Topics discussed include system architecture; security; performance, including automated and manual assessments; enhanced retrieval, including available databases;…

Focusing on online library catalogs as examples of human relationships as they are involved in process of technological innovations, this paper discusses introduction of innovation using a process model based on public policy research (theory) and experiences of Northwestern University with its online catalog (application). Five references are…

User-friendly computer terminals with touch sensitive screens are used in new instruction and information dissemination system operating at Providence Public Library and Rockefeller Library at Brown University. This microcomputer-based turnkey system offers databases built by librarians providing information such as use of library, book reviews,…

Three separate articles describe the online union catalog developed and implemented at the University of California to enhance public access. Planning for library automation, development and production of the database, access points to the catalog, the patron interface, standardizing input data, and merging records are discussed. References are…

Reviews student use of electronic searching tools and the effect of software changes on user satisfaction and success. Discusses the results of two surveys of InfoTrac users before and after software changes at Northern Illinois University, and proposes three strategies systems developers can take to balance the differing needs of sophisticated…