Describes a study that examined patron response to and success in using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM. Perceived needs for training and satisfaction with the system were measured by asking patrons about ease of use, search success, their need for assistance, and preferences for CD-ROM or print research tools. The questionnaire used is…

The relative effectiveness of the CD-ROM information retrieval system, InfoTrac II, and the manual "Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature," was studied. Seventeen community college students were divided into two groups which researched the same questions either on CD-ROM or in the printed index. Results showed the "Readers'…

Investigates the search behavior of CD-ROM database users in Zagreb (Croatia) libraries: one group needed a minimum of technical assistance, and the other was completely independent. Highlights include the use of questionnaires and transaction log analysis and the need for end-user education. The questionnaire and definitions of search process…

A survey of 121 academic libraries examined five general areas of CD-ROM use: (1) user and librarian acceptance; (2) impact on the printed source; (3) cost; (4) assistance and maintenance; and (5) user confusion with multiple computer resources. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (12 references) (MES)

Three colleges in the state of Washington--Gonzaga College (Crosby Library), Whitworth College, and Eastern Washington University--received grants from the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust and the Library Services and Construction Act to facilitate coordinated collection development in the areas of education and business/economics, so that their…

The purpose of the study reported here was to investigate the impact of depository documents in CD-ROM format on academic federal depository libraries in Indiana. In the fall of 1992, a questionnaire was sent to all the federal academic depository libraries in Indiana. Topics covered in the questionnaire were the number of depository CD-ROMs…

This collection includes four handouts: (1) "Selection Critria Considerations for Computer-Based Resources" (Linda B. Richardson); (2) "Software Collection Policies in Academic Libraries" (a 24-item bibliography, Jane W. Johnson); (3) "Circulation and Security of Software" (a 19-item bibliography, Sara Elizabeth Williams); and (4) "Bibliography of…

Discusses topics related to the introduction of CD-ROM databases at the Hahnemann University library, including hardware and software, staff training, changes in workload, access and promotion of the service, bibliographic instruction, and public response. Tables listing basic knowledge and protocol for assisting users, a user questionnaire, and…

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases focuses on a study conducted at Russell Sage College (New York) that examined user attitudes toward CD-ROM technology and shifts in journal usage patterns. Highlights include previous studies, comparisons of print indexes and CD-ROM databases, and suggestions for future research. (LRW)

Describes an ongoing project by the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Cortland's library which seeks to facilitate the sharing of CD-ROM databases between four area SUNY college libraries over a wide area network. The resulting impact on reference services is discussed, and user surveys are appended. (Author/LRW)

Describes a survey of users of three academic libraries that examined users' reactions to CD-ROM products and compared their satisfaction with different products. Some of the evaluation criteria used include ease of use, satisfaction with the number and quality of citations retrieved, and time spent searching. The survey form is appended. (eight…

Reports on the development, practice, and success of instructional methods for teaching CD-ROM use which were explored at the Wayne State University Library. Results of a preliminary survey designed to evaluate user reaction to CD-ROM products are presented. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (MES)

Surveyed academic, corporate, and public libraries about their utilization of CD-ROMs and application of information technology. Results show that almost half of the surveyed libraries have over five computers with CD-ROMs and that most are technologically ready to meet patron information needs via facsimiles and electronic mail. (JMV)

This report discusses a workshop conducted by the library of San Jose State University to instruct eight students with learning disabilities (SLD) in the use of CD-ROM databases. The workshop contributors believed that CD-ROM databases could simplify research paper and homework assignments for such students. The 5-month workshop sought not only to…

This study attempted to determine if the type of training that CD-ROM patrons received had an effect on the satisfaction level of their search results by use of the survey method. Kent State University students, faculty, and patrons who used CD-ROM databases for information retrieval were asked to complete a one page (front and back) questionnaire…