Uses an information processing approach to analyze the pausal behavior of end-users and identifies reasons for pausing, location of pauses, hesitation rate and pausal behavior changes over time. Confirms that searchers pause less frequently and for shorter periods as they progressed through searches over time. (Author/AEF)

Describes a Web usability study conducted at Western Michigan University to investigate students' success in locating journal articles. Participants' search paths and comments revealed widespread confusion about the article-finding process and revealed weaknesses in the library's Web site which led to improvements in page layout and library…

Includes four articles that discuss multimedia educational database systems and the use of metadata, including repurposing; the evaluation of digital library use that analyzes the retrieval habits of users; the Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) and digital collection project; and the collection of the Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for…

Surveys journalism and mass communication department heads to address questions related to the use of online databases in journalism higher education, database policy, resources used in providing online services, and satisfaction with database service. Reports that electronic information retrieval is just beginning to penetrate journalism at the…

Analyzed relationship between cognitive impairment and use and cost of health care, examining data from 1981-1982 Long-Term Care National Channeling Demonstration Project. Results indicated a substantial cost difference between money spent on home, institutional or nursing home care for cognitively intact and cognitively impaired persons.…

Reports findings of a small-scale study on middle school students' use of interactive videodisc. Types of learning activities in which the ability-grouped pupils engaged are identified, the proportion of time spent on each activity is shown, and the dynamics of group process are discussed. (eight references) (Author/LRW)

Reviews the impact of technological advances on the media with which children interact and how they interact with these changes. Discusses newer and older communication media and orientations to the study of children. Suggests there is also considerable continuity despite the media changes. (KEH)

Discussion of online public access catalogs focuses on a study that evaluated 3 different systems in Great Britain. Comparative evaluations were made using structured exercises to determine searching techniques and transaction logs to investigate user behavior. Comments on future research are also given. (12 references) (LRW)

Describes a project that examined user selection of databases by monitoring the EasyNet Scan feature (a multifile search option) during 1989. The discussion covers the observed influence of price, database name, recommended database indicator, and record format on database selection. The category menus displayed by EasyNet are provided. (six…

Reports the results of a survey that examined social science researchers' preferred sources of information and the homogeneity of the group in their use of information sources. Information sources discussed include citation, abstracts, and indexes; journals; consults and conferences; book reviews; library staff, tools, and services; and private…

Sixty-seven persons responded to a survey regarding their perceptions of the most influential research papers, position papers, research reviews, and books in special education. Strong evidence was not found to conclude that any publications, with the exception of a 1968 paper by L. Dunn, could be designated as seminal works. (JDD)

Describes a study that examined patron response to and success in using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM. Perceived needs for training and satisfaction with the system were measured by asking patrons about ease of use, search success, their need for assistance, and preferences for CD-ROM or print research tools. The questionnaire used is…

Describes 3.5 years' experience using BRS/After Dark and Dialog's Knowledge Index as the main systems of choice in the mediated search service of a department library on a large academic campus. Factors discussed include average use, costs, databases offered, system capabilities, comparisons of the two systems, and limitations of the systems. (13…

Presents two studies of the nature of science educators' use of the Internet and electronic resources and the environment in which that usage takes place. Includes telephone survey interview schedule and Internet survey instrument. (Author/MKR)

Reviews the history of the University of Michigan's UMLibText project that was designed to provide expanded and/or enhanced access to electronic information resources. Current holdings on the system are described; access and user support are discussed; use data and trends are examined; and future directions are considered. (Contains two…