Describes the process of developing and revising a brochure to guide library patrons in conducting an author search on an online public access catalog in order to demonstrate the application of four steps in production of a functional document--analysis; planning; development; evaluation, testing, and revision. Three sources are given. (EJS)

This document outlines the methodology to be used for analyzing and reporting data collected through questionnaires at the various libraries of the University of California in April and May of 1982, as the second phase of an online public access catalog (OPAC) evaluation project. It is noted that the project was designed to enable systems…

This study focuses on the planning necessary to support library instruction for an online public access catalog in an academic library. The installation of an online catalog is viewed as an opportunity for librarians to teach effective use of the library catalog. The project report consists of a review of the literature pertaining to the…

This book addresses the problem of when a library has limited catalog access, and explores various technological methods to expand the catalog beyond its traditional boundaries. Fourteen chapters describe catalog projects in individual libraries: (1) "Enhancing Access to Information: Building Catalogs for the Future" (David A. Tyckoson);…

Briefly reviews history of library automation before discussing factors that libraries should consider before choosing to go online (collection size, machine-readable database, computer equipment, costs), and features of online catalogs (database organization, search features, authority files, display options). Information about selected online…

How to access and search using the Online Library System (OLS) is described. The OLS is a computerized list of bibliographic citations compiled by the library network of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It consists of several related databases and can be used by anyone to search for books, documents, journals, and other materials. In…

In February 1991, OCLC tested its newly developed product--the FirstSearch Catalog. Designed distinctly for the end user, FirstSearch is an online computer system providing access to a variety of databases. By October 1991, the system was made commercially available to all OCLC member libraries. The Ohio State University served as a test site for…

This book, while necessarily concerning itself with computer technology, approaches technology as a tool for providing public-service and helps librarians and others effectively manage public-access computers. The book is organized to progress from more technological to more managerial topics. The first chapter--which answers the question, "What…

Electronic versions of college catalogs, viewbooks, and applications are used successfully as tools for college student recruitment. High school guidance counselors and community college advisors can be given access to special information services, students can both obtain and provide information on diskette, and the approach is cost effective for…

The immense changes wrought by the Internet pose many questions and dilemmas for today's librarians. The author's take on the Internet is one of an ever-evolving beast. The six chapters of this book take the reader from mastering the nature of the beast--including a discussion of online searching pitfalls and other more general hazards--to the…