Search results

Compact disk database systems have been proliferating in libraries for the past several years. Producers have promoted them as user‐friendly, self‐instructional systems that require little on‐site assistance for use. Libraries have placed the systems out for use and have sometimes found this assumption questionable. Numerous articles have appeared on planning for these new reference tools, but only a few have presented evaluations of their implementation and impact on librarians and library services (e.g., Lynn and Bacsany, 1989; Schultz and Salomon, 1990; Welsh, 1989; Steffy and Meyer, 1989; Nissley, et al., 1989; LePoer and Mularski, 1989; Nash and Wilson, 1991). Most have used user surveys to garner data on user satisfaction and effectiveness. Such questionnaires have tended to indicate favorable user reaction to the systems and to the relevance to their needs of the retrieved citations (e.g., Pope, 1989; Bleeker, Tjiam, and Volkers, 1988) while others have shown the former but not the latter phenomenon. Nash and Wilson (1991) found that students were satisfied with their searches but that over one‐third retrieved relatively useless or inappropriate citations. They found the undergraduates they surveyed and/or interviewed had problems critically analyzing the results of their searches. Stewart and Olsen (1988) conducted an experimental comparison of ERIC on CD‐ROM (SilverPlatter) and in print form. Subjects using the CD‐ROM outperformed those using the print index in retrieving relevant references for assigned topics. One particularly interesting result showed subjects using CD‐ROM with no prior training outperforming subjects trained to use print indexes. Further, regardless of treatment group membership, 90 percent felt that the CD‐ROMs would yield the greatest number of useful references. Both instructed and uninstructed CD‐ROM groups rated their methods as easier than print indexes.

CD‐ROMs proliferate in libraries and replace paper copy. Much has been written on the capabilities of the new technology, little on the actual content offered by CD‐ROMs or on content comparison between that offered by paper and the new form. Reviews the MLA International Bibliography on CD‐ROM and compares its contents with alternative print sources. Considers coverage for selected authors and the conclusion reached that the MLA International CD‐ROM database is not comprehensive and may omit information which is available elsewhere, for instance in print paper form.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐17; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐17; Property Management Volumes 8‐17; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐17.