Online Retrieval Systems Users Survey from Texas / Phillip M. White.

Based on a survey of 160 Texas college and university libraries, this study reports on their access to and usage of 3 online information retrieval systems: Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS), Lockheed's DIALOG Information Services, and System Development Corporation's ORBIT Information Retrieval System. The study finds that 24 percent of all respondents have access to BRS, DIALOG, or ORBIT, or a combination of the three. Figures are given for percentages of appropriate respondents with online searching facilities among libraries at public schools (30 percent), private schools (13.7 percent), two-year colleges (11 percent), 4-year colleges (3 percent), universities with graduate programs (57 percent), and graduate or professional schools including theological seminaries (29 percent). Results show that of 32 respondents reporting access to the BRS, DIALOG, or ORBIT systems, 31 access DIALOG, 20 access BRS, and 16 access ORBIT. In addition, 23 of the schools report access to more than 1 system. Finally, the study indicates that DIALOG is searched primarily because searchers are more familiar with its system; BRS is searched primarily because it is the least expensive system to use; and ORBIT is searched primarily because it offers unique databases. (Author/ESR)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.