Search

Discussion of Web-based online public access catalogs (OPACs) focuses on a review of six Web OPAC interfaces in use in academic libraries in the United Kingdom. Presents a checklist and guidelines of important features and functions that are currently available, including search strategies, access points, display, links, and layout. (Author/LRW)

Considers some of the major technical and organizational issues involved in virtual-catalog production, contrasting them with the traditional union catalog approach exemplified by COPAC, an online public-access catalog composed of academic libraries in the United Kingdom. Suggest a method of integrating these two models of the union catalog. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the use of computer networks in academic libraries focuses on a technical-services perspective in the United Kingdom. Topics include access to electronic resources; standards; change management; the changing nature of the library catalog; redefining the local catalog; cataloging versus indexing; the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol; and automation. (LRW)

Describes how BookshelF software, a library management system, has been integrated into the library and information management curriculum at Manchester Polytechnic (England), and discusses the learning objectives that have been achieved. The use of BookshelF modules for ordering, circulation control, cataloging, OPAC (online public access catalog), thesaurus, and serials control is explained. (four references) (LRW)

Explains a series of 39 slides used in a presentation covering guides to libraries on the Internet computer network; other INTERNET resources, including bibliographic databases, catalogs, and online services; BITNET servers and LISTSERVS, and the MicroUser's computer conference sponsored by the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA). (LRW)

Describes the implementation of BRS/Search in the Library and Information Services department of the Chem Systems Group, an international consulting organization in the United Kingdom. The use of integrated systems in special libraries is discussed, and requirements of the new system are explained, including full text capabilities and networking with personal computers. (LRW)

Describes Project Jupiter, which was developed to promote the United Kingdom's Joint Academic Network (JANET) to its member libraries. Library uses of JANET are described, including online catalogs, commercial services, and electronic mail; the convergence of local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) is discussed; and future possibilities are considered. (11 references) (LRW)

Describes Janet (the Joint Academic Network), a wide area network linking computers and users in the British academic community. Topics discussed include interactive working; file transfer; electronic mail; job transfer; and online access to library catalogs, bibliographic and numeric databases, and commercial online hosts in Great Britain or overseas. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

Results of work of Centre for Catalogue Research into usability of library catalogs with different levels of content of entries and users' needs for bibliographic data elements suggest that much information normally included in catalog entry is rarely used, and its inclusion makes catalog use difficult. Twelve references are provided. (EJS)

Provides an overview of TESTLAB, a cooperative project of libraries in Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom that addresses improved library access for visually impaired users. A sampling of TESTLAB projects is presented, and a TESTLAB survey on electronic service provision is described. Future efforts and implications are discussed. (AEF)

The article focuses on the establishment of the National Union Catalogue for public libraries in Great Britain. It reviews the development of the website based on the national union catalogue which is accessible to citizens. It also mentions the role of The Combined Regions (TCR) in enabling the cooperation of libraries throughout the British Isles relative to operations and strategic level.

The article explores book ownership in Great Britain during the late 17th century. Book auction catalogues are examined and information concerning the original owners of auctioned titles is presented which includes brief biographical summaries, auction dates, and numbers of items listed for sale. Commonly owned titles included multiple versions of the Holy Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and books by classical authors. Books by early Christian writers, texts on Biblical interpretations, and works focusing on Christian life are also discussed.

Purpose - This paper aims to discuss the findings of recent surveys conducted around SUNCAT, the Serials Union Catalogue for the UK research community and the implications for the development of the service. Design/methodology/approach - The results of two surveys are discussed: the first, a short print survey with a small group of inter-library loan librarians, and the second, an online survey open to all SUNCAT users. Findings - SUNCAT is used by both end users and a wide range of library and information professionals for a variety of purposes. The current level of satisfaction with the service is good but desirable developments include adding the serials' holdings data of more libraries, reducing the duplication on the catalogue and adding links to further information. Research limitations/implications - The findings are based on responses from mainly library and information professionals, with limited input from end users. Originality/value - The paper focuses on SUNCAT, which is the most comprehensive source of serials' holdings information in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two eighteenth-century British military treatises, Humphrey Bland's Treatise of Military Discipline, and the British Army's 1728 Regulations remind catalogers that the bibliographic relationships among items that warrant their collocation in library catalogs are not always clear. The historical circumstance of the two treatises' publication requires catalogers to recall definitions of a "work," and establish which relationships between bibliographic entities warrant collocation in library catalogs. Both treatises seem to embody the same work, though according to conventional cataloging practice they do not share the same author. The items nevertheless retain a bibliographic relationship warranting collocation. Finally, the concepts of the "superwork" and "super record" might also assist catalogers in developing collocating mechanisms to bring together records of related bibliographic entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles provides information on union catalogs, which have been important in libraries for many years in Great Britain. The opportunity to study how users use and view union catalogs and to consider the views of librarians towards union catalogs was led by the recent interest in the relative merits of physical and virtual union catalogs and a recent collaborative project between a physical and several virtual union catalogs. A mix of record searches, interviews, and focus groups were used in the reported research to understand user behavior and views of union catalogs.

Seeks to illustrate the value of balancing comprehensive, retrospective bibliographies and statistics with more localized sources like circulating library catalogs by setting the book "A Bibliographical Survey of Prose Fiction Published in the British Isles" (TEN) alongside the analysis of the works of fiction listed in the catalogs of Thomas Lowndes and Michael Heavisides. Character of 18th century publishing and reading that was overlooked by TEN but covered by the catalogs of Lowndes and Heavisides; Emergence of 18th century feminine writings through circulating library publishing; Modes of popularity in the circulating library age.

The article focuses on books published in the United States during the Colonial period. The author considers the type of literature published during the period noting most were largely religious and doctrinal works. Other subjects of colonial era books included witchcraft, poetry, histories, travel writings, geographies, and science and mathematics. The shipping of books from Great Britain, and laws regarding printing and publishing are considered. The author considers records of both private and public libraries, as well as book catalogues, when considering colonial American print culture.

The article examines the challenges of developing a search strategy for finding self-help books for depressed persons. The guidelines for Great Britain's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommend the use of self-help books for the treatment of mild depression. The article examined book searches in online bookstores, the British Library catalogue, and books recommended on patient or professional web sites. Challenges faced by the authors include designing sensitive and specific searches, not finding enough information about a book, interpreting the publication histories of the books, and creating the database.

Presents catalogs of libraries of medical book collectors in Great Britain. Bibliographical accuracy of the entries; Enumerations of medical historians; Reference tool for researchers and general practitioners.

This article announces that the Denys Lasdun Papers are now available at the Royal Institute of British Architects' online catalogue located at www.architecture.com. The article discusses some of the materials in the collection such as models, drawings and correspondence. The author also notes that the collection has a great deal of material related to the National Theatre.