This review of new developments and products in online services discusses trends in travel related services; full text databases; statistical source databases; an emphasis on regional and international business news; and user friendly systems. (Author/CLB)

Describes compact disk technology in general and possible library applications, including cataloging, online bibliographic searching, and full text searching, and compares the purchase of optical disk packages to traditional online services. Guidelines are provided for evaluating optical disks which focus on the size of the database, updating…

Describes and evaluates a project which examined the feasibility of converting the University of Illinois' ILLINET Online Union Catalog to optical format, allowing users across the state to search the database using microcomputers. The evaluation focused on the impact on interlibrary loans and on the reactions of librarians and users. (CLB)

The second of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers equipment and supplies, future plans, service, staffing, training of staff and patrons, and statistics. A floor plan, user instruction sheet, and news release are included. (MES)

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Proposes a framework for the design of a full function workstation for information retrieval based on study of information seeking behavior. A large amount of local storage of the CD-ROM jukebox variety and full networking capability to both local and external databases are identified as requirements of the prototype. (MES)

This CD-ROM, which may be used with the Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 operating systems, contains benchmark information on the scale of need for basic literacy and numeracy skill development in 317 district council authorities (DCAs) and unitary authorities (UAs) in England. The following items are included: technical report on the 17 surveys of more…

This three CD-ROM set is designed to integrate social studies and science. There are 1,300 lessons developed and field tested by curriculum specialists, teachers, and students over a period of 15 years. Using dramatic video, audio, and photos, students can make connections between diet and temperature, location and climate, safety and energy,…

This comprehensive annual reviews new books and CD-ROMs for librarians. Part 1 contains four essays by prominent library and information professionals: (1) "Knowledge Management Opportunities for Libraries and Universities" (Martin Dillon); (2) "The Congress on Graduate Professional Education: Issues, Process, and…

This report presents the results of Market Data Retrieval's (MDR's) annual survey (conducted during the 1999-2000 school year) of the technology market in public education. Each year the MDR survey asks schools to respond to essentially the same questions about their access to and use of computers, CD-ROMs, networks, Internet, and other…

This paper describes the evolution through three stages of a virtual distance learning training package used to train faculty in the skills and strategies needed to address distance learner needs. In 1996 two traditional face-to-face training programs on the use of compressed video equipment were delivered to 43 faculty. Interviews of participants…

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K), Kindergarten Class of 1998-99, selected a nationally representative sample of approximately 22,000 kindergartners in the fall of 1998 and is following these children through the end of the fifth grade. Baseline data about these children, their families, and their kindergarten programs were collected…

This 30th volume of American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) covers 1,578 books and CD-ROMs published in 1998 (with some from 1997 that were not included in the previous volume). The basic purpose of ARBA is to provide comprehensive coverage of English-language reference books published or distributed in the United States or Canada during a single…

This paper provides an overview of different electronic portfolio development tools and introduces a strategy for using Portable Document Format (Adobe Acrobat PDF) files to store and organize electronic teaching portfolios. A 12-step process for constructing electronic portfolios is described, as are storing the working portfolio, publishing the…

This paper is an annotated bibliography of 16 publications from 1994 through 1997 investigating the influence of CD-ROM technology in reading instruction and language development. Entries are listed alphabetically by author. In addition to full bibliographic information, each entry summarizes the publication in a few paragraphs. (EV)