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Describes the use of barcode labels as a part of library cataloguing using the PRISM service in York College Library. Examines the uses of barcodes, redefinition of a PASSPORT function key, and use of the redefined fuction key to simplify searching the OCLC database.

After contracting with a communications carrier, such as Telenet or Tymenet, and a database service, such as BRS or Dialog, setting up the Hayes Smartcom II to aid in database searching with the M300 or any other IBM PC can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on the manual provided by the company. Though Smartcom II will do a lot more than covered in this introduction, following the steps outlined here will provide a practical way to begin using it.

The following is an annotated list of materials that discuss the ways in which librarians can provide library users with orientation to facilities and services, and instruct them in library information and computer skills. This is RSR's 11th annual review of this literature, and covers publications from 1984. A few items from 1983 have been included because of their significance, and because they were not available for review last year. Several items were not annotated because the compiler was unable to secure them.

The following is an annotated list of materials dealing with orientation to library facilities and services, instruction in the use of information resources, and research and computer skills related to retrieving and using information. The thirteenth annual such review in Reference Services Review, the article covers items in English published in 1986. A few items are without annotations because the compiler was unable to secure copies of them for this review.

When the M300 is not being used for OCLC‐related functions or for database searching, it can be used easily and inexpensively for elementary bibliographic instruction. This function can be set up by any librarian who has access to the computer and a word processing program.

Many libraries, public, academic, or special, no matter how technologically advanced, maintain a finger‐marked, dog‐eared file at the reference desk. This file, usually on 3x5‐inch cards, contains answers to questions that have proved difficult. Such a file is necessary in any library that has ever had, or ever expects to have, any turnover in reference personnel. Even good, seasoned librarians may not have perfect recall for the minutia of a vexing question answered months or years ago, perhaps by someone else. Determining the number of access points in a manual reference aids file is a dilemma. One could make a cross‐reference for every way any person could possibly seek the information or one could write a single card and trust collective memory to remember how it was filed. Multiple cards increase the possibility of finding the information, but clog the file. The single card approach, as has been observed, “provided only one point of access, which frequently could not be identified in a stress situation.” Also, newer librarians, weaned on computers and impatient with manual files, tend to avoid the card file, which they view as an unworkable relic. The manual reference aids file at the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Library contained about 800 tidbits of elusive information such as subject headings used for archaeological site reports, a list of the Supreme Court cases kept in the reserve book room, facts of local history, a reminder of which issue of Fortune lists the annual Fortune 500, where to find Nielsen ratings, and more.

The following is an annotated list of materials dealing with orientation to library facilities and services, instruction in the use of information resources, and computer skills related to information gathering. This is RSR's twelfth annual review of this literature and lists items published in 1985. A few references are not annotated because the compiler could not obtain copies of them for the review.

Not so very long ago anyone who owned a microcomputer had more than likely also built it, either from a kit or from raw components. Access to microcomputing came only after a tough apprenticeship in the mystical arts of hardware and software construction. An owner's competence in soldering ranked equally with his or her programming skills.