Describes a study conducted on the cystic fibrosis (CF) database, a subset of MEDLINE, that investigated clustering structure and the effectiveness of cluster-based retrieval as a function of the exhaustivity of the uncontrolled subject descriptions. Results are compared to calculations for controlled descriptions based on Medical Subject Headings…

Discusses hypertext technology and its use in education. Topics addressed include creating hypertext for academic research; the value of collaborative authorship; navigation through a hypertext database; cognitive flexibility theory; future possibilities; and implications for teaching information science. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Describes various aspects of imaging technologies within the teaching and research programs at the School of Librarianship and Information Studies, the Robert Gordon University (Scotland). Highlights include desktop publishing, image databases, document image processing, hypertext, and image transfer and communication. (three references) (LRW)

Introduces five articles on Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library by discussing the ideal research library; traditional and new models of the research library; how Mann Library is evolving to meet user expectations; and staff participation. Sidebar articles cover selected digital library projects, online primary journals, and a project…

Discussion of synthesized speech and voice recognition focuses on a forum that addressed the potential for speech technologies in libraries. Topics discussed by three contributors include possible library applications in technical processing, book receipt, circulation control, and database access; use by disabled and illiterate users; and problems…

Provides an overview of the University of California MELVYL online catalog and database system, describes the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol, and discusses the implementation of the Z39.50 protocol into the MELVYL system. Implementor organizations are described, and future possibilities are suggested. (eight references) (LRW)

Describes a project at the Ministry of Health Library and Documentation Centre in Malawi, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), that changed the role of the library from information collector to producer of information through the use of desktop publishing and the creation of CD-ROM databases. (LRW)

A centralized records database for advancement services saves time, money, and confusion. The centralized advancement services model works best when fundraisers and technical supporters work together in planning and setting strategy as well as on specific requests, concentrating on the same priorities. (MSE)

Discusses use of Peterson's College Selection Service, a computer-based service which provides detailed information on over 3,000 colleges and universities. Presents scenario of use of Peterson's to help a high school student search for information service programs. Refers to other electronic databases, such as ERIC. (ABL)

Describes the development of computer-based information services in New Zealand for education and the social sciences. Highlights include national systems; the influence of personal computer technology on the development of information services; the lack of a national information policy; and the lack of standardized software. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes various methods of measuring information contained in a database or in a document collection. Economic worth or utility of information to the user is discussed, the value of data in decision making is considered, and an example comparing information in two library collections is presented. (41 references) (LRW)

Examines the use of databases for social studies. Provides a rationale for database use in light of social studies goals, contending that processing large amounts of information is essential for effective citizenship. Offers suggestions for integrating databases into the social studies classroom, and provides substantial lists of readily…

This last article in a four-part series describes database selection behavior of end-users of the EasyNet Scan feature in the categories of people, news, and general reference. Databases are ranked in descending order of selection, the value of multifile search strategies is confirmed, and plans for further investigations are presented. (LRW)

Discussion of end-user searching of online systems focuses on a study conducted at the University of Florida College of Law to determine the usefulness of DIALOG in a law school setting. Training needs are discussed, and search techniques for DIALOG are compared with those for LEXIS and Westlaw. (Four references) (LRW)

Includes five articles that discuss the public's access to information from the federal government, especially electronic information. Perspectives are provided from the viewpoints of librarians, industry, public interest research groups, publishers, journalists, and private non-profit foundations; and the Freedom of Information Center at the…