In spring 2005, a task force of Oregon State University librarians investigated whether undergraduates would gravitate toward subject portals tentatively named "virtual college libraries." A literature review and Web site inventory shaped our definition of a virtual college library. A preliminary needs assessment consisting of an online…

Describes the scope, objectives, and status of a study of user responses to public online catalogs conducted in 1982 with Council on Library Resources (CLR) funding. The framework for evaluating the user-catalog interface, data collection, and questionnaire content are discussed, and a copy of the survey questionnaire is appended. (Author/JL)

The current status of MELVYL, the University of California's prototype online catalog, is described in a hypothetical conversation between the catalog and several users. Examples illustrate features of the two search modes available for this patron-accessed system: COMMAND for the novice, and the more sophisticated LOOKUP. (RBF)

BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time-sharing System) is an on-line interactive library automation system that supports the acquisition and cataloging functions of the Stanford University Libraries' technical processing operations. The BALLOTS system is being implemented in a series of 11 modules. This paper…

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networks. Highlights include network technology, including local area networks; an example of an installation at the South Bank Polytechnic (United Kingdom) library; interface issues, including standardization; possible future developments; licensing arrangements; and acquiring data in formats other than CD-ROM.…

Describes OASIS, a prototype adaptive online catalog implemented as a front end to the University of California MELVYL catalog. Topics addressed include the concept of adaptive retrieval systems, strategic search commands, feedback, prototyping using a front-end, the problem of excessive retrieval, commands to limit or increase search results, and…

This report describes the work of the Onscreen Documentation Subgroup in revising screens for GALIN, the University of Georgia (UGA) Libraries new online system. The responsibilities of the Subgroup were to revise screens from the previous online catalog and to create basic help screens, primarily for the command searching mode. Responsibilities…

The main objectives of Project BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-Sharing System) are to control rising technical processing costs and, at the same time, to provide improved levels of service. This report on BALLOTS Phase II is concerned with the development and implementation of the production library…

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

Describes development of an online catalog for Dartmouth College Libraries by Dartmouth and Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS). Highlights include Dartmouth parameters; capability of creating a fully inverted file for entire bibliographic citation provided by BRS software; features of BRS/Dartmouth user interface; telecommunications links; and…

A Mathematical Citation Index was started in March 1965 under the auspices of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Computing Facility. Before the compilation of citations for this index could begin, however, it was necessary to produce an index to abbreviations of serial titles in the field of mathematics. T-HE RESULT OF THIS EFFORT…

This report presents documentation of files, of file organization, and of 42 of the modular program subroutines used in a pilot project devised by the Oregon State University (OSU) Computer Center to simulate procedures in the Acquisitions Department of the OSU Library. A total of 224 bibliographically verified requests for monographs, 30 vender…

For those unfamiliar with the Stanford Physics Information Retrieval System (SPIRES) an introduction and background section is provided in this 1969-70 annual report. This is followed by: (1) the SPIRES I prototype, (2) developing a production system--SPIRES II and (3) system scope and requirements analysis. The appendices present: (1) Stanford…

The investigation of ultrafiche technology and its applications in higher education resulted in an unanticipated far-reaching study on the general use of microforms. This occurred when it was found (1) that reader presentations of typical educational materials were of excellent quality throughout the range of reduction ratios investigated, 32x to…

A brief review is provided of the strategy, information services, seminars, demonstrations, software acquisition policy, educational development, and cooperative efforts of the CEDAR Project, which aims to encourage and facilitate the development and effective use of educational computing within Imperial College, the University of London, and…