Discusses the need for computer assisted strategies to search multiple databases. A method is presented in which a pool of predefined searches is set up and a strategy is developed to identify an optimal search path. The application of this method is illustrated using a search carried out in seven databases. (11 references) (CLB)

Analyzed data gathered from 78 online searchers to examine attitudes toward the use of DIALOG and SDC's ORBIT command languages. It was found that most users preferred DIALOG for ease of use. Twenty sources are listed. (FM)

Reports a preliminary investigation into the man-machine interaction aspects of online searching, including the methodology developed for observing and recording man-machine interface in the use of online information retrieval systems. Three references are cited, and a bibliography lists 16 sources. (FM)

Five groups of searchers each performed searches using ONTAP ERIC to identify behaviors that differentiate among degrees of experience, and between searches of familiar and unfamiliar databases. Results showed that, compared to the experienced subjects, novices performed surprisingly well. Eight references are listed. (Author/SW)

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of different types of term combination using the positional logic capability of online information retrieval systems and describes a study in which searches for material on "microwave integrated circuits" were conducted in order to find the most economical way of generating the most relevant…

Suggests ways to increase precision when searching full text files on BRS, Mead Data Central and DIALOG. All of the techniques are based on achieving repetition of central concepts as expressed in natural language. Schematic representations of strategies and sample searches on each of the three systems are provided. (10 references) (CLB)

Describes study that compared the costs of online searching on six databases in four systems. Costs of the search phase and the output phase are analyzed separately; transmission rate and telecommunication costs are examined; and the effects of pricing structures on online searches are discussed. (five references) (LRW)

Identifies characteristics of the experienced online searcher and discusses the results of three searches carried out by a variety of searchers in widely differing subject fields--presence of arsenic in coal, problems of working alone in laboratory or work area, and spectral sensitivity of the insect eye. (8 references) (EJS)

Describes a series of studies conducted to determine how ERIC online searchers were using free and controlled vocabulary in their search statements and to understand relevance implications of the resultant differences. (SW)

Explores the effects on relevance concerns in traditional online search strategies caused by ranking retrieved documents. Two extreme examples are presented to illustrate the impact of ranking; advantages and limitations of ranking are discussed. (SW)

Compares features of online public access catalogs (OPACs) at six British universities: (1) Cambridge; (2) Hull; (3) Newcastle; (4) Surrey; (5) Sussex; and (6) York. Results of keyword subject searches on two topics performed on each of the OPACs are reported and compared. Six references are listed. (MES)

Provides contextual frameworks for the nature of information technology, the information universe, and the information search as they relate to online information retrieval. Theories on search strategy are reviewed, cognitive models of information seeking are highlighted, and future directions for research on users' search processes are discussed.…

A comparative evaluation of two computerized reference retrieval systems, INSTRUCT (a statistically-based system) and PLEXUS (a knowledge-based system) examined their retrieval effectiveness for a set of 19 queries and 512 documents on gardening. Best results were obtained by using terms suggested by PLEXUS as the basis for an INSTRUCT search. (36…

This study compares results of searching full text of journal articles available on standard inverted file systems with searching of various parts of a document's surrogate. Relative recall and precision ratios for four search methods (full text, abstract, controlled vocabulary, bibliographic union) are reported. Search topics are appended. (14…

Evaluates overlapping coverage of 21 scientific databases used in 10 online pesticide searches in an attempt to identify minimum number of databases needed to generate 90 percent of unique, relevant citations for given search. Comparison of searches combined under given pesticide usage (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) is discussed. Nine…