Evaluates the validity of the test used to place students in the comprehension-based courses offered by the Second Language Institute of the University of Ottawa. The test is described in the context of the target student population and the comprehension-based courses. Different factors of evaluating the concurrent and predictive validity were…

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Library and the American Physical Society (APS) are experimenting with electronically disseminating journals and reports in a project called TORPEDO (The Optical Retrieval Project: Electronic Documents Online). Scanned journals and reports are converted to ASCII, then attached to bibliographic information, and…

Various approaches to training for online users are described, including training that is available through schools of library and information studies, database producers, consultants, professional associations, and employers. Training methods are discussed, and the trend toward the use of computer-assisted instruction is examined. (55 references)…

Describes evaluation of an automatic query expansion (AQE) facility in the Okapi System, an online library catalog at City University in London (England). Results of transaction log analysis, search replays, questionnaires, and interviews are presented; and findings are discussed which indicate that AQE was beneficial in many searches. (12…

Examines the use of spreadsheets for solving equations by the method of iterations. The combination of the spreadsheets and graphical representation is shown to be appropriate both for teaching and learning the method of iterations and for investigating properties of equations. (Author)

Describes the design and development of a prototype expert system called ONLINE-EXPERT that helps users select online databases and vendors that meet users' needs. Search strategies are discussed; knowledge acquisition and knowledge bases are described; and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision analysis technique that ranks databases,…

A content analysis of major German television news shows and 53 weekly surveys on 16 issues were used to compare linear and nonlinear models as ways to describe the relationship between media coverage and the public agenda. Results indicate that nonlinear models are in some cases superior to linear models in terms of explained variance. (34…

Describes a study of undergraduate students at Pennsylvania State University that was conducted to assess the impact of instructional color coding on visually and verbally oriented tests and on field dependence independence. Use of the GEFT (Group Embedded Figures Test) is discussed, and differences in cognitive processes are considered. (11…

Presents a methodology for construction of location modeling for public library facilities in diverse urban environments. Historical and current research in library location is reviewed; and data collected from a survey of six library systems are analyzed according to population, spatial, library use, and library attractiveness variables. (48…

Access to database information in libraries will increase as licenses for tape loading of data onto public access catalogs becomes more widespread. Institutions with adequate storage capacity will have full text databases, and the adoption of the Z39.50 standard, which allows differing computer systems to interface with each other, will increase…

Discusses the use of library management data, particularly circulation data, in making selection decisions for library collection development based on experiences at Louisiana State University. Development of a collection based on actual use rather than perceived research needs is considered, and the decision-making process for serials…

Describes a study that was designed to examine whether the computer attitudes of graduate students in a beginning statistics course differed based on their prior computer experience and the type of statistical analysis package used. Versions of statistical analysis packages using a mainframe and a microcomputer are compared. (14 references) (LRW)

Examines relevant case law regarding confidentiality in educational research. Argues that the benefits to society of educational research and the notion of academic freedom provide a rationale for extension of limited legal privilege of confidentiality to educational researchers. Proposes a code defining the nature and extent of research…

Describes a study that was conducted at the University of Botswana library to determine the extent to which Library of Congress catalog cardsets facilitate the cataloging and classification process. Flow charts for cataloging and classification are described, and estimates of cataloging costs using cardsets are compared with costs for original…

Describes remote access to the Norwich University (Vermont) online library catalog. Promotion of this service and impact on library attendance, circulation, and interlibrary loan are addressed. Sample screen displays and tables presenting attendance and circulation statistics are included. (five references) (MES)