Libraries are moving into an era that incorporates improvements of a library's existing databases, embraces the research results of the information-seeking process, and makes fundamental improvements by adding new databases such as WordFocus. These new systems should convert the frustrated user of today's online public access catalog (OPAC) into…

Describes how to use Internet technologies to create an intranet, or an online training database system, for improving company communications, effectiveness, and job performance. Topics include technology and performance; educating managers and key decision makers; creating a graphic model of the training system; and fitting into the existing…

Discusses changes of focus, or interaction shifts, (readily observed in mediated database searching) between search intermediaries and users during information retrieval interactions. Presents results in terms of frequency of shifts in each interaction; classification scheme for shifts; frequency of shifts for each class; and intensity of focus on…

Discusses the developers/development, maintainers, and users of the digital collection on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, produced by the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Sensitive to users in both developing and highly developed countries, this system provides closer linkage…

Structured abstracts containing several subheadings (background, aim, method, results, and conclusions) have replaced traditional abstracts in most medical journals. The results of 2 studies, the first of 52 readers using an electronic database and the second of 56 readers using a printed database, suggest that it is easier for readers to search…

Conducted at two British universities in 1993, a year-long trial service study of 20 bio-scientists using GRATEFUL MED software access to National Library of Medicine databases, principally MEDLINE, found that the users approved most of the service's ease, convenience, and time saving features and disapproved of its susceptibility to network…

Describes the implementation of a computer application skills continuum developed by the Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools to teach keyboarding, word processing, database, and spreadsheet skills to K-12 students. Discusses teacher inservice training, student assessment, first-year results, and future plans. Includes samples of grade 5 and…

Presents preliminary results from a study of an information need identification system for interactive information retrieval for undergraduates researching a history topic. Concludes that the query taxonomy must include levels of topic specificity because while general topic-based queries are inappropriate as query terms, more specific topic-based…

Analyzes access behavior of Algerian users of information and documentation, focusing on the imbalance between user demand and quality of library access. Topics include Internet connectivity problems; national bibliographic catalogs and databases; creating digital collections to improve access, especially scientific information; and advantages of…

Describes the results of a survey of faculty members at Western Michigan University which was conducted to explore the relationship between faculty use of university libraries and faculty use of computers. Implications for libraries are discussed, including computer databases, faculty assistance, collaboration with computing staff, and marketing…

Describes the management and collection of standardized educational and psychological tests at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and analyzes the use patterns of patron request cards. Current electronic test locators and evaluation services are indicated as well. (Author/LRW)

Reviews issues relating to database technology and digital libraries. Highlights include resource sharing; ongoing digital library projects; metadata; user interfaces; query processing; interoperability; data quality; copyright infringement; and managerial implications, including electronic versus printed materials, accessibility,…

This article examines the technical access barriers that inhibit the effective use of the information resources available on higher education networks; the emerging information server technology that promises to alleviate many access problems; and the growing popularity of the Z39.50 protocol, including questions about this information retrieval…

Discusses developments in information technologies, their present state of application, and their general significance for the future of archives and records management systems. The likely impact of future technological developments is considered and the need for infrastructural standards, professional cooperation, and training is emphasized.…

Files on a Macintosh computer network at the Pacific University College of Optometry include: text outlines of topics; comprehensive dual mode random-access databases; two-sided flashcard decks and multi-sided computer flashcards; and progressive charts. Files may be used directly on the network or copied to students' floppy disks. (Author/MLW)