Considers problem of optimal scheduling of Boolean expression (each Boolean variable represents binary outcome of program module) on single-processor system. Optimization discussed consists of finding operand arrangement that minimizes average execution costs representing consumption of resources (elapsed time, main memory, number of…

This article shows how MAGIC, a computer language formulated by a major supplier of business-oriented numeric data which works in conjunction with the APL programing language, provides an effective management tool for analysis and presentation of business-oriented data (private or public) by nonprogrammers. Illustrative material is presented. (EJS)

Discusses paragraph qualification, a search strategy used to retrieve information from computerized databases. Positive and negative paragraph qualification, after-the-fact qualification, multifile searching, and free text searching are described, using examples from the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Search System. (EJS)

Describes a technique for editing and formatting online database searches which provides the requestor/user with a clean finished and more readily understandable product. (CWM)

To become efficient Internet searchers, students and teachers need to learn online search skills. Discusses hierarchical subject directories (Yahoo) and search engines (Excite, Lycos, Alta Vista, HotBot); lists top search engines and their universal resource locators (URL). Provides examples of search strings; outlines search tips, and a…

Examines some of the primary outlets for IAC (Information Access Company) databases on the Web and evaluates when and why each source might be more appropriate to different situations. Features for DIALOG Web, DataStar Web, DIALOG Select, Dow Jones, and InSite Pro are compared. (Author/LRW)

Describes the information available about special interest groups (SIGs) on the CompuServe system and offers suggestions for searching this online utility. Search strategies and system commands are described for getting a list of every SIG in the system, accessing message boards, teleconferencing, searching data libraries, and locating specific…

Critiques existing approaches to computerized support for browsing and describes four new types of browsers that have been implemented in the Xerox NoteCards hypertext system. These browsers support the process of pursuing and returning from digressions and facilitate the integration of diverse sets of materials that have been browsed. (16…

Discusses methods of browsing in online public access catalogs (OPACs) and describes one method that uses information pertaining to the physical description of books from MARC records to simulate images of books on a library shelf. Electronic browsing through MARC is discussed, and methods of enhancing OPACs are reviewed. (51 references) (LRW)

Discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and considers four potential roles for AI in information retrieval (IR): (1) information characterization, i.e., building a knowledge base; (2) information seeking, i.e., search formulation; (3) support functions, including abstracting; and (4) systems integration. Three examples are given that show how AI…

Discusses searching on the World Wide Web. Highlights include search-engine size; features of the six largest search engines; features of five metasearch engines; intelligent agents; two Web sites for difficult-to-find information, including industry statistics and market data; Internet publishers and databases; specialty search engines; and…

Describes methods for applying natural-language processing for automatic concept-based indexing of full text and methods for exploiting the structure and hierarchy of full-text documents to a large collection of full-text documents drawn from the Health Services/Technology Assessment Text database at the National Library of Medicine. Examines how…

Reviews Web-search tools available to librarians. Discusses the Clever project, (part of the Computer Science Principles and Methodologies Department at the IBM Almaden Research Center, Silicon Valley, California), an algorithm that finds authoritative sources on the Web; Google technology, based on links between Web pages; Ask Jeeves, a…

Describes SWEAR (Systematic Weighting and Ranking), a powers-of-two algorithm that can be used for searching the World Wide Web or any large database that automatically creates discrete, well-defined result sets and displays them in decreasing order of likely relevance. Also discusses fuzzy sets. (Author/LRW)

Provides tips on searching Chemical Abstracts (CA). Discusses coverage, indexing policies, differences between the print and online versions, transliterations, arrangement of the print indexes, abbreviations, and importance of the CA Index Guide for effective searching. (MES)