Describes features of the Western Library Network's database, including the database structure, authority control, contents, quality control, and distribution methods. The discussion covers changes in distribution necessitated by increasing telecommunications costs and the development of optical data disk products. (CLB)

Describes the planning, development, implementation and impact of online information systems at three academic libraries. Some of the issues discussed include the campus computing environments, factors affecting the selection of databases and search systems, the impact of the system on library staff and users, and future considerations. (CLB)

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…

Discusses elementary school mathematics instruction and describes the design and construction of a database with nonroutine problem-solving situations. A classification for the problems is explained, and use of the database at Indiana University and its potential use by elementary school teachers are described. (four references) (LRW)

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

Defines and discusses competitive intelligence for business decision making and suggests the use of online databases to start looking for relevant information. The best databases to use are described, designing the search strategy is explained, reviewing and editing results are discussed, and the presentation of results is considered. (LRW)

Reports on the creation of a prototype, Web-based expert system that helps users better navigate library databases at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Discusses concerns that gave rise to the project. Summarizes previous work/research and common approaches in academic libraries today. Describes plans for testing the prototype,…

This article reports on the experiences of the Kimberley Thusanang Project (KTP). It proposes that the project's use of a database system as a management tool represents a significant development in the design of effective education projects in South Africa. The article describes how this system assists project management in overcoming two key…

Dr. Sally Knipe, Course Coordinator, Bachelor of Education (Middle Schooling) at Charles Sturt University has been teaching undergraduate students in this program for six years. When Charles Sturt University introduced a learning management system, Interact she, with the faculty's educational designer, Miriam Edwards worked together in developing…

As news outlets create headlines such as "A Cloud & A Prayer," "The Cloud Is the Computer," and "Leveraging Clouds to Make You More Efficient," many readers have been left with cloud confusion. Many definitions exist for cloud computing, and a uniform definition is hard to find. In its most basic form, cloud…

The Document Delivery Service offered by Chemical Abstracts is described in terms of the DIALORDER option on the Dialog information retrieval system, mail requests, and requests transmitted through OCLC's Interlibrary Loan system. Transmission costs, success rates, delivery rates, and other considerations in utilizing the service are included.…

All educators need information to make good decisions. Surveys of teachers and education majors reveal that one of the best international databases available, ERIC, is overlooked as an information source. The ERIC system is described in detail, and users are encouraged to become contributors. (Author/MT)

Review of 17 databases available through BRS (Bibliographic Retrieval Services) and/or DIALOG provides addresses of database producers, beginning date of files, and descriptions, including information which may not be given in database documentation. Two new services provided by BRS and DIALOG and three vendors with wider audiences are also…

General information and specific tips for finding resources in the ERIC database highlight advantages and disadvantages of manual searches (who can perform search, location of ERIC collections, procedures for conducting search) and computer searches (results, cost, turnaround time). Procedures for obtaining access to actual copies of ERIC…

Describes computer program in Microsoft Basic which performs the following transformation and printout functions on downloaded files: removes field labels and citation numbers from file; removes search statements, error messages, and sign-off/billing output; allows operator to create headings; allows operator to view, delete, or print file from…