This discussion of the use of authority control to ensure consistency of headings in machine-readable and card catalogs highlights the basic concepts and rationale of authority control and library catalogs, and efforts of the Library of Congress and bibliographic utilities. Six references and causes of name variations are appended. (EJS)

Provides suggestions for using on-line database systems (CompuServe, The Source, Dow Jones) in the classroom, presenting examples of the kinds of information and services available from CompuServe. Major CompuServe submenus are provided to illustrate encyclopedia searches, use of reference library, news sources, and accessing clubs and special…

Analysis of data on sample of 1980 books in "Small Press Record of Books in Print" indicates that almost half of the books received one or more reviews; small core of journals accounted for most reviews; significant relationship existed between number of reviews received and number of libraries owning book. (EJS)

This article expresses concerns about online searches being run by inexperienced searchers or nonchemists for other nonchemists or students. Studies concerning problems in the use of Chemical Condensates Database, Chemical Abstracts, Medline, and patent information are highlighted. Examples of searches yielding unsatisfactory results are noted.…

Results of Pittsburgh Regional Library Center Serials Cancellation Project are discussed, providing insight into problems and opportunities of multi-institution collection management decision-making using the online catalog. Previous attempts to coordinate collection management decisions, cancellation of serial titles, an online standard code for…

Points out that although there are thousands of software programs available to support educational applications, there is a paucity of suitable courseware. An in-place system for proper evaluation of courseware that, to date, has "approved" more than 200 computer-assisted instructional programs is described. (JN)

This article reviews and evaluates literature dealing with choosing software for creation of microcomputer-based in-house databases in the information center. Sections on purchasing versus programing, directories of software, evaluation of software, and sources for software descriptions or reviews are included. Appendices list microcomputer…

A public utility company uses laser wands to read bar-coded labels on furniture and equipment. The system allows an 80 percent savings of the time required to create reports for inventory control. (MLF)

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

This 26-item annotated bibliography cites articles and conference papers from 1981-1984 related to end-user searching of online databases in three sections: End-User Search Services and Systems, End User versus Intermediary, and Training of the End User. Questions concerning role of the librarian/intermediary and cost effectiveness of end-user…

Summarizes two master's dissertations on uses of microcomputer systems in secondary schools in England. (MD)

The increasing data about institutions of higher education and the availability of this data are described and evaluated. The data bases need further development and coordination of standards, exchange guidelines, and accessing procedures to be most beneficial. (Author/LBH)

Interinstitutional researchers face a variety of complex issues that need to be understood and dealt with to ensure the benefits of their involvement. Some issues are reviewed and future concerns are addressed. (Author/LBH)

The goal of this primer is to help policymakers and other interested individuals answer three big questions: (1) What does the research say? (2) Is the research trustworthy? (3) How can the research be used to guide policy? Answering these questions will help policymakers: (1) make evidenced-based decisions about education policies; (2) gain a…

A part of a day's work for middle school educators involves making decisions about school expenditures, academics, activities, and hiring. This brief article observes that student leaders are increasingly participating in decisions about school programming, finances, activities, and even hiring. If given the chance to contribute, middle level…