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 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)

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.…

Reports on a 1987 survey of automation in Australian academic and state libraries. The current situation is described in several areas: (1) turnkey integrated "proprietary" library system suppliers; (2) networks; (3) modules; (4) database issues; and (5) staffing trends. The questionnaire and data on proprietary systems and modules used…

Describes an Edinburgh-based research project that is exploring issues related to reference work in digital libraries, the role of reference librarians with remote access users, library networking, and collaborative reference work. User experiences and librarian work patterns are related to the design of a prototype Web-based network reference…

Discussion of CD-ROM as an alternative to online searching for academic libraries focuses on a comparison between online and CD-ROM costs at the University of Natal (South Africa) library. Other factors examined include funding methods; user fees; staff involvement; user training; user access, including search intermediaries and networking; and…

Discussion of the role and status of academic libraries in China focuses on automation efforts. Microcomputer-based applications are described; problems are discussed; and technological advances are considered. It is concluded that CD-ROMs in conjunction with microcomputers should be used in the majority of Chinese academic libraries. (10…

Description of how aspects of library automation are dealt with in Norway highlights main centers for library automation (Norsk Senter for Informatik, two universities); Bibsys--integrated library automation system (bibliographic subsystem, circulation subsystem); and Bibnett project (project studying system-to-system communication between…

Discusses changes that have taken place within library systems as a consequence of the emergence of new computer-based technologies. Highlights include using electronic documents; electronic libraries; digital projects; educational applications; and a case study of OASIS (Open Access Student Information Service), a document handling system in the…

Analyzes and describes bilingual authority files at the main library of the International Islamic University of Malaysia. Highlights include a review of multilingual research; perceptions of end users and catalogers; problems with bilingual files; and use of the OPAC (online public access catalog) by users. (Author/LRW)

This interview with Ian Winkworth explains the Hybrid Library of the Future (HyLife) project at the University of Northumbria (United Kingdom) that was developed to help achieve integrated access to combined electronic and printed library services. The focus of the project is not on the technology, but on the educational, social, and…

Describes the development of InfoSkills, a Web-based library tutorial at Bournemouth University (United Kingdom) designed to provide an interactive introductory library skills tutorial as an adjunct to conventional instruction. Discusses key objectives, methodologies, content, technology, and evaluation that included usability issues of content…

Argues that a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures is most efficacious in library collection analysis. Cases drawn from the literature in which a combination of these measures was profitably applied are considered, and the types of software packages for purposes of data manipulation are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (KRN)