Describes a study that examined the cognitive styles of African students in order to propose appropriate strategies for bibliographic instruction in African colleges. The results of the cognitive tests given to students are presented, and recommendations for appropriate teaching strategies are outlined. (12 references) (CLB)

The study surveyed 83 institutions serving the deaf to determine utilization of assistive listening devices including types of devices used, where the devices are used, characteristics of devices used, type of audiences using the devices, how devices are being used, problems encountered by users, and remedies for problems. (DB)

Soviet intelligence agents have been collecting scientific and technical documents in research libraries to identify emerging technology before its components become classified or restricted. Librarians are also recruited as spies. However, asking librarians to identify suspicious library users would violate ethics and intellectual freedom. (MSE)

Describes a study that assessed the availability and use of microcomputer database management interfaces to online public access catalogs. The software capabilities needed to effect such an interface are identified, and available software packages are evaluated by these criteria. A directory of software vendors is provided. (4 notes with…

Six brief papers on expert systems for libraries cover (1) a knowledge-based approach to database design; (2) getting started in expert systems; (3) using public domain software to develop a business reference system; (4) a music cataloging inquiry system; (5) linguistic analysis of reference transactions; and (6) a model of a reference librarian.…

Reports on a study of the effects of participation in public library summer reading programs on children's reading skills. Results on a standardized test administered to 279 students in grades 1-5 in May and September are analyzed and compared for participants and nonparticipants in the summer reading program. (MES)

Comparison of the use in libraries of open systems--a configuration of software and hardware components from separate vendors linked by interfaces--and integrated systems considers selection of services; reliability; relationships with vendors; time needed to implement systems; and overall effectiveness of both approaches. (CLB)

Briefly describes DIALOG OnDisc and gives an example of an actual search of the ERIC database using this system. The screen displays and search commands are used to illustrate the differences between the easy menu search method provided for novice users and the command search method provided for experienced users. (CLB)

Reviews research findings and briefly outlines several strategies for encouraging teachers to utilize available educational media and the expertise of the school media specialist. (6 references) (CLB)

This extensive bibliography on library building includes 15 categories: bibliography; background; general; planning teams; building programs; alternatives to new buildings; academic libraries; public libraries; school libraries; special libraries; site selection; interior planning and equipment; maintenance; security; and moving. (MES)

State-level funding formulas should be changed from enrollment-based to fixed cost-based, using standards such as those of the Association of Research Libraries. Funding linked with programmatic changes encourages quality of the institution and rewards effective library management. (CDD)

Using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire with academic librarians in four midwestern states, this study found a positive relationship between faculty status and continuing education activity. However, in 7 of 20 job satisfaction dimensions of the survey, librarians with faculty status unexpectedly scored lower than those without faculty…

Compares online literature retrieval with traditional reference services. Discusses the reasons for and against adding online reference services to two-year college libraries and the unique applications online search services may have in the community college environment. (CBC)

Offers guidelines for improving community college library reference collections for Spanish-speaking patrons. Provides an annotated list of basic Spanish-language reference items, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other tools. (DMM)

Examines the literature on the myth of "hard science-soft science" as a means of defining scientific specialties and classifying science literature, and discusses some shortcomings of scholarship in library and information science. Use of Toulmin's categorization of sciences to organize the literature and provide access for scientists is…