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The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories:

There are now a number of microcomputer packages intended for almost every library routine and application, although in some cases the choice is limited. The principal features of many of these packages are discussed and related to the requirements of the routines for which they are intended. These include information retrieval, online searching, catalogues, acquisitions, serials control and circulation control.

A number of database management programs are available and the application of one of these, Petaid, to library routines and for information retrieval is described. Applications include MARINDEX (a periodicals database), orders, union catalogues and some aspects of serials control, all operating on a Commodore Pet 3032 microcomputer. Examples of record formats are given and some of the operating problems are discussed (most of which are relatively minor). Current applications endeavour to make as much use as possible of one basic record.

As more and more organisations produce documents of various types by electronic means using word‐processors, databases and spreadsheets, they need a way to retrieve those documents rapidly, often in response to vaguely defined criteria. ZyIndex provides that facility, as a full text retrieval package working with files created by a range of word‐processors and similar programs. It requires a minimum 256K of Ram and twin disk drives, hard disk or Ram disk and is available for the full range of IBM PCs, all 100% compatible systems and MS‐DOS systems. ZyIndex was developed by the Zylab Corporation, 233 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Telephone: (+1) 312 642 2201). Distribution in Europe is by Perspective UK, 100 Baker Street, London, England W1M 1LA. Telephone: (+44) 1 486 6838.

Computer‐based systems have been used in a variety of organisations for some time now, and there are many studies of their effects upon organisations. In the 1980s, concern has centred more around the introduction of information technology (IT), which may be briefly defined as the combination or integration of computer, telecommunications and information systems. This convergence of technologies provides a greater impetus for information transfer at both the inter‐ and intra‐organisational levels. Organisations of all types have become involved with IT and have implemented (or are implementing) IT‐based systems. On the macro level, there is growing interest in, and concern over, the wider socio‐economic effects, such as employment, work patterns, information access and individual freedom and privacy.

Internet subject gateways were set up under the Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) in order to address some of the problems of searching the Internet which have been identified by information professionals, i.e. locating relevant, good quality information. This preliminary study examines the extent to which academics in two universities use three eLib subject gateways (EEVL, OMNI and SOSIG). The results are generally encouraging for the eLib programme, but it is necessary for the gateways to be more effectively promoted. The study also found that academice do not have the same misgivings about the general search engines as the information professionals and seem to use them more readily than the gateways.

This paper describes the use of electronic mail as a medium through which discussion of a range of related topics, as distinct from the exchange of research and other information, can be facilitated. Following a review of the principal features of computer mediated communication, with specific reference to electronic mail, a case study is presented of a discussion which lasted for two months, during which twenty‐two topics were raised by contributors, who were mainly academic staff located in a number of countries. The discussion can be compared to that which might occur verbally at a conference or other meeting, but electronic mail provides a number of features which add to the nature of the discussion. Issues stemming from this use of the medium are also considered.

The ideal of unhindered transborder data flow (TDF) is shown to be unrealistic; numerous barriers exist, created by various factors. Four facets of TDF are examined: privacy and data protection, the role of the European Economic Community, TDF between the Eastern bloc countries and the West, and Third World reactions to the domination of TDF by the industrialised nations. International organisations have a major role to play in efforts to accommodate the conflicting aims of the individual, the state and the commercial organisation.

The study presents the principal results of a survey into patient information needs and satisfaction levels in a large general hospital as part of a feasibility study on the provision of a patient information service. The background to the survey is the change in the patient/doctor relationship to one of consumer/supplier, coupled with the growing awareness of the importance of patient education and information as a form of preventive medicine. The survey found that information given prior to admission increased satisfaction rates for information provision generally, but also led to more questions being asked during the stay in hospital. Patients were given information freely, though there are slight gender differences, and there is a preference for verbal rather than written information from doctors. There are implications for patient information services. A range of patient resources is provided by wards, but there are problems of co‐ordination of supply and the human resources needed to manage them effectively.