Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases for end-user searching versus online database searching in academic libraries focuses on a comparison of two databases, "Psychological Abstracts" and "Sociological Abstracts," that were searched in both formats. Factors of response time, coverage, content, and cost were investigated for…

Discusses factors to consider in identifying and accessing appropriate data sources for environmental chemical information and describes three training programs for end-users: (1) a course on retrieval of information on dangerous substances; (2) a seminar on German offline databases on chemicals; and (3) a workshop on the Information System for…

School use of PRESTEL, CAMPUS 2000, NERIS, and ECCTIS is discussed, and the implications of these online services and CD-ROM products are considered. A report is given on the CHIRP project (Computer Hotline for Information Re-Packaging), which is designed to teach information skills in a way that is relevant and motivates pupils. (21 references)…

Examines the use of CD-ROMs for reference purposes in secondary school libraries. Use of CD-ROMs by special education, learning-disabled, and average students is discussed; learning and thinking processes are described; advantages of CD-ROMs versus other indexes are considered; and inservice teacher training and student training are discussed.…

Describes the decision-making processes involved in the development of the ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA database, a statewide union catalog of school, public, academic, and special libraries' holdings on compact laserdisc. Highlights include the planning process; the role of retrospective conversion vendors; the nominal group technique; the role of task…

This bibliography for school library media specialists lists periodical articles published in 1991 on information service (censorship, CD-ROM and online searching, networking, resource sharing, reading guidance, and reference service); instructional consulting; management; National Education Goals; teaching (computer applications, information…

Discussion of the cost effectiveness of searching online versus searching on CD-ROM highlights an example that compares costs for searching the ERIC database. Fixed costs and variable costs are described, labor costs are examined, implications for management are considered, and the effect of the number of databases and workstations is discussed.…

Criticizes reviews of library CD-ROM products as being uncritical of the user interface and advocates a more rigorous evaluation, not only to aid potential buyers, but as a way to influence manufacturers. Congressional Information Services' Masterfile 2 is evaluated in the context of Heckel's "Principles of Friendly Software Design." (24…

Describes a study that examined the information-seeking behavior of undergraduate students searching print and electronic encyclopedias to determine how mental models are adapted for different types of media. Cognitive load is discussed; print and electronic systems are compared; differences among three electronic encyclopedias are described; and…

Explores children's systems of combining drawing, talk, and writing (i.e., symbol-weaving) with traditional media and with new information technology. Social aspects of writing are discussed, and new information technology is examined, including clip art software, word processing, graphics, color, hypermedia, CD-ROM, and microworlds. (23…

Discussion of the use of technology in Australian schools to improve information access and educational outcomes focuses on the impact on school library resource centers. Topics discussed include online information services; electronic bulletin boards; electronic mail via microcomputers; and optical storage media, including CD-ROM, hypermedia, and…

Describes the role of technology in teaching foreign languages. Offers a brief history of language lab technologies, including computer use for drill-and-practice, text reconstruction, and simulations and games. Discusses tool programs, intelligent systems, video technology, satellite television, videodisc and interactive video, hypertext and…

Describes one college library's experience with a gateway for dial-in access to its CD-ROM network to increase access to automated index searching for students off-campus. Hardware and software choices are discussed in terms of access, reliability, affordability, and ease of use. Installation problems are discussed, and an appendix lists product…

Reviews literature pertaining to the planning and management of the use of CD-ROM products in academic, special, and public libraries. Topics discussed include needs assessment, hardware and software selection, choice of vendor, staff and user training, cataloging, networking, resource sharing, workstation location, user charges, and costs. (21…

Describes a library research module that was developed for a grade 8 life skills curriculum. A workbook format was designed to include traditional skills such as note taking, bibliographic form, and catalog use, as well as electronic research, including Internet use, World Wide Web sites, and CD-ROMs. (LRW)