Do library catalogs compete with Google or is it the other way around? We know which came first but which will finish in the end? Only trained library professionals were considered qualified to develop reliable catalog records. However, with the increased sophistication of search engines, we are beginning to realize that a collaborative effort may…

Compares two natural language processing search engines, WIN (WESTLAW Is Natural) and FREESTYLE, developed by LEXIS. Legal issues in natural language queries were presented to identical libraries in both systems. Results showed that the editorials enhanced relevance; a search would be more thorough using both databases; and if only one system were…

This overview of the information market and services available in the Federal Republic of Germany highlights online information systems (hosts, databases, networks); relation of Europe to United States and Germany; the German library system (problems and advantages of document delivery, online services); and telecommunication technology.…

This series of ten articles exploring users' reactions to optical data disk technologies, focuses on comparisons with online retrieval systems. The opinions of users and vendors on cost effectiveness, searchability, equipment requirements and performance, effectiveness, and efficiency are presented and discussed. (CLB)

Presents guidelines for statistics for Web-based information resources developed by the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC). Outlines use elements that must be provided: number of queries, menu selections, sessions, turn-aways, and items examined. Discusses privacy; user, institutional, and consortial confidentiality;…