Guest Editorial
A Little Navel Examination (p.193-194)
JOSEPH A. ROSENTHAL
Feature Articles
The Cost of On-Line Bibliographic Searching
(p.195-209)
MICHAEL D. COOPER AND NANCY A. DEWATH
A cost analysis of 411 on-line bibliographic search requests was conducted. The study involved monitoring the time that thirty-five individuals in four public libraries spent processing these requests. The study identified a set of seven tasks that are performed for each request and determined the average time and cost for each of the tasks. The average total direct search cost was $28.41 exclusive of telephone line charges. This figure included the data base connect charges of $17.29. The average time to process a request was 7.8 calendar days. A wide variation in the cost and time figures was found among the four libraries.
A Performance Prediction Model for Bibliographic
Search for Monographs Using Multiple Regression Technique (p.210-221)
ABDUL RAOUF, FEROZ AHMED, AND SYED M. ASAD
Possibilities of using regression techniques for predicting, evaluating and controlling the performance of bibliographic search procedures are explored. "Lease time" search sequences for bibliographic searching are determined.
Survey of Data Collection Systems for Computer-Based
Library Circulation Processes (p.222-233)
PATTI SUE FOIL AND BRADLEY D. CARTER
The purpose of this study is to present a comparative analysis of operational data collection systems used in library circulation processes. This study should provide an initial guide to library administrators in the selection of such systems.
A survey was conducted of libraries with computer-based circulation departments asking for a description of the equipment in use and an evaluation of the system. Equipment manufacturers were contacted to obtain complete descriptions of the capabilities and characteristics of various data collection systems.
Summaries and analysis of responses from both the manufacturers and the libraries are included.
The Application of the Instructional Development
Process to a Module on Flowcharting (p.234-244)
EDWARD JOHN KAZLAUSKAS
The instructional development process can be used by information science faculty for instructional design and evaluation. This paper presents a six-step instructional development model consisting of introductory analysis, task analysis and behavioral objectives, test construction, media/method design and development, testing and revision, and validation and evaluation. Each of these steps is described in the context of developing an instructional module on flowcharting.