Online Public Access Catalog Retrieval Structures and Techniques: With Reference to Recent Developments in the United States and Great Britain

The last few years have witnessed the introduction of several important information technologies, including powerful microcomputer workstations, optical disk and advanced magnetic disk storage media, computer graphics technologies, the availability of nationwide and campus wide computer networks, and the use of sophisticated search engines (such as BRS/SEARCH) in local online catalogs. These technologies have greatly influenced all aspects of library information services, including the provision of enhanced subject access and access to a wider variety of bibliographic resources for library users.

The United States and Great Britain are both taking leadership roles in developing effective solutions to improved access and retrieval methods for information. After a review of some of the main issues in user access to information needs, a few important developments are highlighted to illustrate the measures that are being taken to improve access.