Describes the building block, successive fractions, citation pearl growing, and interactive scanning approaches to search strategy formulation and discusses practical techniques for online bibliographic searches such as being flexible, searching the most specific aspect first, using thesauri, conceptualizing, using full text operators, and…

Used the INSPEC database to compare two search options available on the DIALOG system for the purpose of establishing criteria to determine which of the alternatives would prove more cost effective than the other. (FM)

Describes a simple six-step searching model designed to deliver good results without introducing complexities likely to confuse the naive user. The findings of tests that compared the results of the easy search model with expert searches are presented, and conclusions about end user training are discussed. (nine references) (CLB)

To assess value of abstracts in online information retrieval, this study attempts to match free-text search phrases to index terms and provides classification of documents indicating form of retrieval to be expected by searching three databases--Energyline; Management Contents; and America, History and Life. Results of a sample search are…

Proposes that a search service concentrate on a quality control program for online database search analysts which consists of selection, monitoring during the training process, and certification that will begin prior to training with the preselection of search analysis. (CWM)

A study of periodicals usage conducted at I.D. Weeks Library, University of South Dakota, used computerized databases to isolate journals important to individual departments and establish criteria for periodical subscription budget cuts. Three search methods used and costs incurred are outlined. Four references and search examples are provided.…

Online seaches of sample topics in the area of forensic medicine were conducted in the following life science databases: Biosis Previews, Excerpta Medica, Medline, Scisearch, and Chemical Abstracts Search. Search outputs analyzed according to criteria of recall, uniqueness, overlap, and utility reveal the need for a cross-database approach to…

Discussion of end-user searching of online systems focuses on a study conducted at the University of Florida College of Law to determine the usefulness of DIALOG in a law school setting. Training needs are discussed, and search techniques for DIALOG are compared with those for LEXIS and Westlaw. (Four references) (LRW)

Discusses end-user searching at Exxon through in-house training and with Searchmaster, a user friendly front end system. The six menu-like Searchmaster programs, which permit end-users to perform routine searches on specific databases, are described. (EM)

Describes study of chemists in the Chemistry Division, Organic Research Laboratory, Eastman Kodak Company, as end-user searchers on the DIALOG system searching primarily the "Chemical Abstracts" database. Training, level of use, online browsing, types of searches, satisfaction, costs, and value of end-user searching are highlighted.…

Discusses the results of a survey administered to former students, which compared purposive documentation, education program, resources, and evaluation/feedback mechanisms of nine online instruction programs offered by various organizations, and suggests tools to improve learning. A table of online instruction program characteristics,…

Discussion of database searching by end-users versus mediated searching by library staff focuses on a user survey conducted at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, to determine reasons for end-user searching and mediated searching. Search expertise, cost factors, and time constraints are discussed as influences on search strategies. (LRW)

Reports results of study of a group of end users (patent attorneys) doing their own online searching at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Highlights include DIALOG databases used by the attorneys, locations and searching modes, characteristics of patent attorney searchers, and problem areas. Questionnaire is appended. (5 references) (EJS)

This continuation of an earlier article discusses online vendors' responses to users' concerns as well as the future of online services. Maxwell Online, Dialog, Mead Data, Data-Star, and Dow Jones News/Retrieval address user needs, search strategies, databases, document retrieval and display, user interface, and cost and economic issues. (LRW)

Discusses a decline in patron requests for librarian-mediated searches of MEDLINE at Yale University's medical library and describes results of a survey that was conducted to determine possible reasons. The influences of miniMEDLINE (an in-house version), online end-user systems, and CD-ROMs outside the library are examined. (five references) (LRW)