Intended to teach the principles of interactive bibliographic searching to those with little or no prior experience, this textbook explains the basic elements of online information retrieval and compares the major database search systems. Its chapters address (1) relevant definitions and vocabulary; (2) the conceptual facets of database searching, search formulation, and online costs; (3) the presearch interview; (4) terminals and networks; (5) search languages; (6) database organization and record structures; (7) basic system commands; (8) text searching; (9) beginning and ending a search; (10) storing searches and selective dissemination of information (SDI); (11) search aids; and (12) search strategies. Appendices provide a summary of search languages, a list of available online databases, and examples of database descriptions and search aids. Examples are based on the BRS, DIALOG, and ORBIT search systems. (FM)