EDRS PRICE MF-$0.83 HC-S3.50 Plus Postage DESCRIPTORS *Data Bases; Higher Educationrynformation Centers;

The use, history, and-role of machine-readable data base technology is discussed. First the development of data base technology is traced from its beginnings as a special resource/for science and technology to its broader use in universities, with descriptions of some specific services. Next the current statusof. mechanized information services in academic settings is considdred, along with the organization of such centers,and the role of date' bases in information dissemination. Differences between university and industrial information centers are discussed, and the operations of six university information services funded by the National Science Foundation are described. Finally, there is a review of the literature concerning the reference or information service librarian's role in the interface between'user and data base. Special emphasis is placed on query formulation, question negotiation, an