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As library/information center managers, we face an array of information access choices. With an increased demand for distributed machine‐readable information, we are all examining networking alternatives, using either locally loaded tapes or CD‐ROM databases, in place of or in addition to online timesharing sources. The decision of what information to provide in which machine‐readable format is indeed a complex one for all the players on the information scene — users, librarians/information specialists, systems specialists and commercial information providers. Therefore, we must cooperate and communicate to insure the success of the next generation of information products. Successful managerial decisions will be based on strategic planning and on evaluating a wide range of characteristics beyond the cost and technology factors usually described. This paper examines some of these factors from the perspective of the library manager concerned with serving user needs.

Researchers are now increasingly able to identify and retrieve information without the need to move from their own PC, bypassing the library and its staff. The number of full text databases on‐line is also increasing, providing instant access to newspapers and newswires, popular magazines and scholarly journals, financial and directory sources, and reference books. These files appear on all the major time‐sharing systems, some of which are modifying their search software to attract this growing market. This paper explores the relationship between the end user and primary full text databases. It looks at full text databases generically, rather than at individual systems, databases, or searching techniques. It identifies roles that information professionals can play in maximizing the benefits of full text databases for end users.

Desktop videoconferencing, bringing together computing, multimedia and telecommunications, is one of many new technologies competing for our attention. Videoconferencing is being used in corporations as a substitute for business travel and in academic institutions as the basis for distance learning. The Center for Business Information and the Goizueta Business School at Emory University beta tested desktop videoconferencing as a means to deliver a distance reference service, including consultation, documentation, and training and sharing of CDROM databases. This paper provides a brief overview of the technology, describes the Emory beta tests, and discusses evaluative factors necessary for the success of desk videoconferencing in a library or information centre.

As CD‐ROM becomes more and more a standard reference and technical support tool in all types of libraries, the annual review of this technology published in Computers in Libraries magazine increases in size and scope. This year, author Susan L. Adkins has prepared this exceptionally useful bibliography which she has cross‐referenced with a subject index.

The selection and evaluation of CD‐ROM disks are important steps in the planning of a CD‐ROM facility. The choice of databases depends upon, among other factors, the objectives of the library, the projected use of each disk, and financial considerations. In this article we review the literature that deals with these matters. We begin with what is available on disk selection, via both printed directories and in the journals. We next discuss reported methods of disk evaluation. Finally, we cover existing reviews of various CD‐ROM products.

Provides a bibliography of CD‐ROM for librarians, covering case studies, costs, product evaluation guidelines, databases, CDI, downloading/copyright and CD vs. online, for use when making decisions about the adoption of CD‐ROM.

EasyNet is an American‐based, menu‐driven information retrieval system which links untrained users to over 800 databases from nearly twenty online service vendors. The system has recently become available in Europe. Following a discussion of the confusion surrounding such gateway and front end systems, the EasyNet system is briefly explained and the methodology of a trial set up in Denmark during June 1986 to test EasyNet is described. The results of the test and an evaluation of end‐users' comments on EasyNet are discussed in terms of user‐friendliness, user satisfaction, user problems and value for money aspects. A number of general observations are also made.