Discusses methods of searching the World Wide Web and describes 10 Web sites for "panoramic" searching, 13 for "omnibus" searching, 4 for link-following packages, 4 for content delivery services, 1 for directed searching, and off-line Internet searching on Yellow Pages for the Web. (LRW)

Investigated how users reacted to breakdown situations that generated error messages when browsing the Web. Results showed error messages were not helpful to users in diagnosing the cause of the problem and suggests the need for a model of Web browsing that would be available for users to learn from the error messages. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of knowledge management for electronic data focuses on creating a high quality similarity ranking algorithm. Topics include similarity ranking and unstructured data management; searching, categorization, and summarization of documents; query evaluation; considering sentences in addition to keywords; and vector models. (LRW)

Reports on a research project to build a new indexing technique, integrating experiences in database searching and indexing into a matrix model based on Internet use. Emphasizes the need for improving Web usability in specific domains and gives two examples from Italian Web sites, one for museums and one for health information. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of user-managed online search processes in libraries and the search strategies of novices focuses on a study of Western Australia undergraduates while they performed an information search task. Considers measurement of search behavior and reports results that showed problems in formulating an effective search strategy and the need for…

Argues that users' needs should play a more prominent role in the design or choice of an online catalog in a specific library, and outlines requirements which enhance ease of use. Areas discussed include operational control, search formulation control, access points, output control, user assistance, and hardware requirements. (nine references)…

Provides a detailed description of the microcomputer hardware and software used by the Euronet-Diane Launch Team for automating a number of functions associated with online searching. Background, login procedures, program architecture, maintenance problems, comments on lessons learned, and suggestions for avoiding difficulties with this type of…

Discusses problems facing naive users of interactive information systems (IIS) that have been identified through classroom research. Impediments to successful use of IIS are students' inability to make use of non-text-based information sources and difficulty choosing appropriate search strategies. Mental models developed by users may provide clues…

Report on use of the microcomputer for information storage and retrieval (ISR) notes hardware (floppy disks, keyboard, screen, printer); functions of ISR software; standardization of the operating system; database creation; data entry; indexing; search process; choice of ISR software package; software market and user; training and instruction; and…

Describes a conceptual model of information retrieval. Includes a model of the Internet to help college students form mental models so they perceive information retrieval as a process and are able to decide when to use the Internet and to decide on suitable search strategies for different question types. (Author/LRW)

Describes the role of a webmaster as designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective World Wide Web site; discusses needed skills in the areas of network configuration, interface and graphical design, software development, business strategy, writing, editing, marketing, and project management; and considers the webmaster's role in the online…

Discusses criteria for evaluating microcomputer database management systems (DBMS) used for storage and retrieval of bibliographic data. Two popular types of microcomputer DBMS--file management systems and relational database management systems--are evaluated with respect to these criteria. (Author/MBR)

ELNET (Electronic Library Network), a Japanese language database, allows searching of index terms and free text terms from articles and stores the full text of the articles on an optical disc system. Users can order fax copies of the text from the optical disc. This article also explains online searching and discusses machine translation. (LRW)

Describes the Internet Hunt, a game designed to challenge and inform librarians about information sources available on the Internet. The use of telnet, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are described, and the results of the first Internet Hunt are provided. (EA)

Discussion of personal bibliographic systems (PBS) that manage the input, storage, retrieval, and output of bibliographic references focuses on low-cost mainstream bibliographic software for personal use or smaller libraries. Structural flexibility, indexes, printing and downloading, searching, and interface- and management-related issues are…