Presents overview prepared by producer of database newly available in 1985 that covers 10 subject categories: engineering, geosciences, chemistry and materials, space sciences, aeronautics, astronautics, mathematical and computer sciences, physics, social sciences, and life sciences. Database development, unique features, document delivery, sample…

Description of bibliographic databank produced by the H. W. Wilson Company covers databases (bibliographical, directory, forthcoming); the WILSONLINE search system (search statement formulation, identifying search terms, other search features); print options; search management features; performance, documentation, and assistance; costs; and…

Describes Electronic Legislative Search System (ELSS), a comprehensive service which tracks current state and federal legislation and provides careful monitoring of status of bills in its database. Contents of the database, search criteria and priority, format options, learning to search, and updating the system are noted. Sample searches are…

Introduces HARFAX Industry Data Sources, a bibliographic database which provides access to international sources of statistics on 60 key industries. Criteria for inclusion of material in the database, indexing policy, and uses of the database are discussed. Sample searches are illustrated and exhibits containing facts on the file are attached.…

Describes innovative pricing structure consisting of low connect time fee, print fees, and search fees, offered by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) ONLINE--an online searching system used to locate chemical substances. Pricing options considered by CAS, the search-based pricing approach, and users' reactions to pricing structures are noted. (EJS)

Describes the online version of Comprehensive Dissertation Index as it is searchable through the DIALOG system. File content, searchable indexes, and particular features of the file such as online sorting of retrieved citations and text backup are discussed. Accompanying the text are 13 figures illustrating system features and two sample searches.…

Describes a contract between the reference service of a library system in Illinois and a commercial supplier of information in Berkeley, California, to provide the answers to 200 reference questions for a flat rate of $6000. The contract, considered the first of its kind, successfully relieved a current reference overload. (RAA)

Describes the requirements, data elements, functions and systems design for an online search log which maintains records of search services provided. (CWM)

Provides database descriptions of ABI/INFORM and Management Contents, two of the most heavily used files for current information on management practices and concepts, recent product development, and production and marketing statistics. Topics addressed include coverage of source publications and currency, indexing policies and practices, and…

Examines advanced Internet search techniques, focusing on six search engines. Includes a chart comparison of nine search features: "include two words,""exclude one of two words,""exclude mature audience content,""two adjacent words,""exact match,""contains first and neither of two following…

Discussion of models for indexing and searching information resources on the Internet focuses on the results of a simple query on a number of existing search systems and on two proposed index metadata structures for indexing and supporting search and discovery: the Dublin Core Elements List and the Semantic Header. (52 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes online misinformation: incomplete, out-of-date, biased information; pranks; contradictions; improperly translated data; software incompatibilities; unauthorized revisions; factual errors; and scholarly misconduct. Suggests online searchers should be skeptical, establish prior knowledge, distinguish between fact and opinion, evaluate…

Discusses the use of video in distance education. Topics include incorporating digital video in teaching and learning; the Open Video Project, an on-going effort to develop an open source digital video library, including search and browse capabilities, design and development directions, and the use of metadata; and capabilities that digital video…

Singingfish provides multimedia search services that enable Internet users to locate audio and video online. Over the last few years, the company has cataloged and indexed over 30 million streams and downloadable MP3s, with 150,000 to 250,000 more being added weekly. This article discusses a deal with Microsoft; the technology; improving the…

Explains intelligent agents, special software tools that help make the Web more interactive by helping with information retrieval. Describes major types of agents, including search agents and agents for specialized tasks including monitors and knowledge management; and lists relevant Web sites. (LRW)