Describes server-side include (SSI) codes which allow Webmasters to insert content into Web pages without programming knowledge. Explains how to enable the codes on a Web server, provides a step-by-step process for implementing them, discusses tags and syntax errors, and includes examples of their use on the Web site for Southern Illinois…

Examines the use of databases as back-ends to creating library Web pages and seeks to provide a starting point for interested librarians. Explores advantages of this approach, suggests possible library applications, gives examples based on experiences at Ohio State University libraries, and provides a list of Web resources. (Author/LRW)

Explores the possibility of adding user-oriented class associations to hierarchical library classification schemes. Analyses a log of book circulation records from a university library in Taiwan and shows that classification schemes can be made more adaptable by analyzing circulation patterns of similar users. (Author/LRW)

Discusses rationale for operating an electronic bulletin board in an academic library setting and considerations for software and hardware selection. Experiences related to the operation of a bulletin board system at the University of Minnesota Library are summarized in the areas of goals and rationale, system selection, system configuration, and…

Describes the design and operation of a system that resulted from a project undertaken by a small specialized library to provide self-help for patrons seeking reference assistance. The areas of information available on the system are described, including standard reference titles, library holdings and services, reserve readings, and placement…

Discusses the need for online help for end-users based on experiences with an online public access catalog (OPAC) at the University of Cape Town libraries. The concept of end users is examined, the role of search intermediaries in information systems is explained, and online help and systems design is discussed. (LRW)

Compares a digital reference service that uses instant messaging with traditional, face-to-face reference based on experiences at the Southern Illinois University library. Addresses differences in reference questions asked, changes in the reference transaction, student expectations, bibliographic instruction, and librarian attitudes and procedures…

Discusses the need for libraries to routinely redesign their Web sites, and presents a case study that describes how a Perl-driven database at Southern Illinois University's library improved Web site organization and patron access, simplified revisions, and allowed staff unfamiliar with HTML to update content. (Contains 56 references.) (Author/LRW)

Describes the usability evaluation of the CUNY (City University of New York) information system in Web and Graphical User Interface (GUI) versions. Compares results to an earlier usability study of the basic information database available on CUNY's wide-area network and describes the applicability of the previous usability instrument to this…

Using the experiences at the Vanderbilt University libraries as illustrations, this article addresses several concerns faced by libraries as they implement CD-ROM technology: (1) funding issues; (2) using multiple discs; (3) networking; (4) staff training; (5) end user training; (6) CD-ROM, print, and online differences; and (7) product…

Outlines the service rationale, software and technology considerations taken by the Pennsylvania State University library in planning towards online, real-time reference services and provides an overview of the planned pilot project. Discusses recent trends in academic electronic libraries, including providing value-added services to support…

Discusses the use of MARC format in relational databases and addresses problems of incompatibilities. A solution is presented that is in accordance with Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards and is based on experiences at the library of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain). (four references) (EA)

Describes the development of satellite television and information access in Australia, principally within Australian higher education institutions. Client groups and basic technologies are overviewed as well as the role of the library in the provision of satellite services. (Six references) (Author/CLB)

Considers some of the major technical and organizational issues involved in virtual-catalog production, contrasting them with the traditional union catalog approach exemplified by COPAC, an online public-access catalog composed of academic libraries in the United Kingdom. Suggest a method of integrating these two models of the union catalog.…

Describes the use of several CD-ROM products to provide access to reference sources in a large academic research library. Equipment and staffing problems and solutions, user reaction, and the impact of optical technologies on the library's fee-based searching service and planning for the future are discussed. (3 references) (Author/CLB)