Supplementing electronic databases: The OCLC FirstSearch Option

In early 1993 Binghamton University Libraries began discussing methods to supplement our collection of electronic journal indexes available on mainframe tapes or CD‐ROM. FirstSearch files were chosen because of the selection available, the advantages of remote storage over local data storage and maintenance, and the ease with which we could provide access through our newly‐developed public Internet interface. This article summarizes our access to electronic indexes, present statistical data on FirstSearch usage for the 1993/94 academic year, and provides possible explanations for the resulting searching activity patterns. Such information may be helpful to other libraries as they implement FirstSearch access.