Three separate articles describe the online union catalog developed and implemented at the University of California to enhance public access. Planning for library automation, development and production of the database, access points to the catalog, the patron interface, standardizing input data, and merging records are discussed. References are…

Stresses providing reliable, factual information directly to users. Describes classes of data, the need for good data, quality control of databases, the electronic revolution in data dissemination, systematic cooperation to reduce costs of developing online services and of creating data bases, and trends in data dissemination. (JN)

Provides historical background for computer usage in education. Describes several aspects of technology emerging today which will have impact on education including: the emergence of the personal computer; communication technologies; and software engineering. Also describes several simulation packages for use in the science classroom. (DS)

A global survey of new technologies providing opportunities for delivery of the world's knowledge directly to the home and office is presented, along with the organizations now using them, including the French and British videotext systems, the U.S. electronic newspapers, and the computer-assisted video disc. (Author/MLW)

The National Longitudinal Study (NLS) sample and data collection efforts are described and the nature of information available for each data collection effort is briefly reviewed. Possible implications and limitations that the NLS database has for use in graduate training programs in higher education are also investigated. (SF)

Proprietary software available to the institutional researcher is discussed. It is suggested that as more institutions use proprietary software, the institutional researcher may find that varying levels of involvement in the process of evaluating and acquiring such software can result in the availability of more useful facilities. (Author/SF)

Describes "The Electric Library" (TM), a database (which can be searched via an Internet connection) designed to assist schools, librarians, and parents with information retrieval. Discusses technical and logistical benefits, the problem of selected and limited resources, and cost issues. Provides a sample debate topic exercise using "The Electric…

Describes two elementary social studies projects where a ClarisWorks database was used to teach database vocabulary and to teach students to develop and design a curriculum-related database. (AEF)

Presents abstracts of SIG Sessions. Highlights include digital collections; information retrieval methods; public interest/fair use; classification and indexing; electronic publication; funding; globalization; information technology projects; interface design; networking in developing countries; metadata; multilingual databases; networked…

Discusses 10 Internet misconceptions: all information is available, no copyright laws apply, all information is free, complete research papers can be completed, all sites are true and equal, objectionable material is everywhere, information can be found faster, complex databases are easier to search, latest information is always available,…

Provides an introduction to World Wide Web search tools for reference services. Discusses characteristics of search services and types of tools available, including search engines/robot-generated databases, directories, metasearch engines, and review/rating sites. (AEF)

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 the design of several CD-ROMs with different strategies and foci for teaching general chemistry with large databases of visual information. Presents a sample search with a CD-ROM. Discusses teacher resources including animations, visual databases for presentations, demonstration manuals, laboratory manuals, and encyclopedias as well as…

Reports on a survey of 70 research libraries in Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Results show that libraries are rapidly acquiring automated processing systems, CD-ROM databases, and connections to computer networks. Discusses specific data on system implementation and network services by country and by type of…

Provides an overview of six directories and guides for identifying a variety of CD-ROM based products. Evaluates information provided, navigation, searching, presentation, and other features; and provides contact information and prices for ordering. (PEN)