Describes an experiment using 48 sixth-grade students to compare retrieval techniques using the print and CD-ROM versions of Compton's Encyclopedia. Four queries of different complexity (measured by the number of terms present) were searched by the students after a short training session. The searches were timed and the retrieval steps and search terms were noted. The searches were no faster on the CD-ROM than the print version, but in both cases time was related directly to the number of terms involved. The students coped well with the CD-ROM interface and its several retrieval paths.

A comparison of information retrieval from print and CD-ROM versions of an encyclopedia by elementary school students

Purpose – To provide a historical look at the development of web versions of reference materials and discuss what makes an easy‐to‐use and useful electronic handbook.Design/methodology/approach – Electronic reference materials were limited to handbooks available on the web. Observations and assumptions about usability are tested with an information retrieval test for specific tasks in print and online editions of the same texts.Findings – Recommended adoption of those elements which create a well‐designed book in combination with robust search capabilities and online presentation result in an easy‐to‐use and useful electronic reference source.Research limitations/implications – The small sample size that was used for testing limits the ability to draw conclusions, and is used only as an indication of the differences between models. A more thorough look at difference between electronic book aggregates, such as ENGnetBASE, Knovel® and Referex would highlight the best features for electronic reference materi...

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The evolution of electronic reference sources

Le développement de collections de jeux vidéo dans les bibliothèques universitaires en Amérique du Nord : étude exploratoire

The present study seeks to ascertain the current usage and status of CD-ROM products in academic libraries. The survey asks how many products libraries own or subscribe to, how these are paid for, which titles are held, and how many workstations are supported. Libraries are also asked about usage and cost of CDs. Related areas are also investigated. Questions are asked regarding online search activity and expenditures for the years 1989-1990 and 1984-1985; statistical tests are employed to determine if there has been a significant change in these categories over the time period in question. Finally, libraries are asked if they have canceled pint sources as a result of online or CD availability

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CD-ROMs in academic libraries: a survey

Currently, many academic libraries own CD-ROM systems. Using a self-designed questionnaire, this study surveyed users of CD-ROMs for two two-week periods in the fall of 1989 and the spring of 1990. The results provided valuable information about who was using the systems; which systems were the most popular; how patrons perceived help available to them; what type of instruction the would desire; and what suggestions patrons had to offer to improve service to this technology. As academic libraries increasingly adopt new technologies, user surveys such as this one will provide important information to librarians about implementing services and procedures

Beth Juhl

Papers

The CD-ROM revolution at Columbia : year one

Desk Set: Ready Reference on the Web

Ex Machina: Electronic Resources for the Classics

A Parliament of URLs: Medieval Resources on the Web

Measure for Measure: Altmetrics