Examines the use of intelligence tutoring systems (ITS) instead of conventional computer-assisted instruction and computer-assisted learning. Discusses how data banks can be searched using closed, semi-closed, and open methods by means of Boolean methods and the Dewey system. (Author/AEF)

Provides evaluation criteria for use in evaluating online searchers that were developed by a committee of the American Library Association (ALA). Objectives that searchers should strive to achieve are divided into six sections: technical skills, knowledge base, interpersonal skills, search interview, search execution, and professional…

Describes characteristics of subject gateways on the Web (i.e., facilities allowing easier access to network-based resources in a defined subject area) and compares them to search engines (e.g., AltaVista). The application of WHOIS++, centroids, query routing, and forward knowledge to searching several gateways simultaneously is outlined, and…

Presents criteria for evaluating and comparing Web search tools designed for children. Highlights include database size; accountability; categorization; search access methods; help files; spell check; URL searching; links to alternative search services; advertising; privacy policy; and layout and design. (LRW)

Explores the concepts of interaction and interactivity presented in different theoretical models in the fields of human-computer interaction (HCI) and information-seeking/searching behavior, and relates these to information retrieval (IR) research. Suggests that interaction in HCI is primarily concerned with establishing a user/system dialogue at…

The concept of a hierarchy of evidence is useful in rapid electronic searching to answer questions arising during the natural course of clinical practice. The answerable question often begins "What is the evidence that ..." and, when focused on a treatment, usually includes a population, an intervention, a comparison group, and an outcome, often…

"Science Citation Index" is a service that lists the contents of over 3,000 of the most important science journals and proceedings. A computer search of the Index was conducted using the terms "creationism,""scientific creationism,""special creation,""biblical creation," as well as related terms.…

This report summarizes research undertaken at the Sterling C. Evans Library, Texas A & M University to assess the impact that end user information retrieval systems may have on library staff and users. Two systems, BRS/After Dark and Search Helper, were made available in the library for end user searching at no cost. A total of 260 users…

Explores the potential usefulness of the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system as a tool in online retrieval. Unique features of LCC are described and a theoretical analysis of its potentials and limitations in terms of subject browsing, enhanced vocabulary, and class number searching are presented. (CDD)

Discussion of issues concerned with providing library reference services to machine readable data files focuses on numeric databases. The team approach used at the University of Florida, which incorporates reference librarians, programers and data managers, database producers and vendors, and professional associations, is described. A bibliography…

Describes a study conducted at Oregon Health Sciences University that compared the use of three retrieval systems by medical students: a Boolean system, a word-based natural language system, and a concept-based natural language system. Results showed no statistically significant differences in recall, precision, or user preferences. (Author/LRW)

Librarians will have to become more adept in the future in developing ways to assist users in narrowing or focusing information searches. Examples are provided of attempts by library and information professionals to help users cope with the problem of information overload. (Author/AEF)

Discusses Dialog's recent new pricing structure and its effects on librarians and other information professionals. Presents charts that compare Dialog databases with other search services (Dow Jones Interactive, LEXIS-NEXIS, OCLC FirstSearch, Ovid, Questel-Orbit, SilverPlatter, and STN) and Dialog via other channels (DataStar, Dialog Select,…

A future, automated, interactive, knowledge delivery system for use by researchers was tested using a manual cognitive model. Conceptualized from schema/frame/script theories in cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, this hypothetical system was simulated by two psychologists who interacted with four researchers in microbiology to…

Describes the components and capabilities of expert systems, discusses the use of such systems in library information applications, and outlines research being done in this area. A project aimed at the development of an expert system for referral services is described in detail, and implications for future research are discussed. (CLB)