Describes search tactics useful for online searching and how to use them, and identifies the points in a search at which they are most useful. An extended example shows how all the tactics may be used in an online search. (EM)

Describes how keyboard macro processors can be used in the context of online searching to store alternative search statements before going online. An example using ProKey software is included, and its advantages and limitations are described and compared with the more sophisticated front end systems available. (EM)

Describes the field search capabilities of selected Web search engines (AltaVista, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, Yahoo!) and includes a chart outlining what fields (date, title, URL, images, audio, video, links, page depth) are searchable, where to go on the page to search them, the syntax required (if any), and how field search queries are entered.…

Describes strategies that can be used to search the DIALOG database by date to add precision to searching. The "Current" command is explained, as well as other commands; ways to search a specific year are described; and DIALOG files that are already restricted by date are discussed. (LRW)

Explains five causes of false drops in online searching: reverse concepts, homographs, truncation, acronyms, and negatives. Examples from a variety of databases are provided. (EM)

Explains seven types of subject descriptions commonly used in databases--hierarchical classification, category codes, subject headings, descriptors, faceted classification, post-controlled vocabulary, and natural language--and describes specific search techniques for taking advantage of the strengths of particular types of vocabularies. An overall…

Profiles of online services provided by VU/TEXT, which maintains market access to electronic newspaper databases, highlights scope (newspapers, business information, wire services and nonnewspaper regional information, encyclopedia); search techniques; strengths; and upcoming enhancements. Descriptions of 17 databases and sample searches are…

Provides excerpts from interviews with expert online searchers to be published in a book entitled "Secrets of the Super Searchers" in the fall of 1993. Planning search strategies is the focus; and topics addressed include methods of planning searches, broad versus narrow searches, and building with component parts. (EAM)

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)

Presents guidelines for effective online searching developed over the last 20 years. Areas covered by the guidelines include preplanning, database selection, cost-effective search techniques, searching for names, awareness of differences between databases and systems, matching search strategies to databases, postsearch routines, and the…

Introduces search technique that professional searchers often use to start tracking down information regardless of topic. This technique involves using set of large databases that cover material because of format rather than subject. Databases reviewed include books/monographs, journals/magazines, reports, expertise, and full-text and Public…

Describes the use of DIALOGLINK, a searching software for online systems that can be used with microcomputers. Topics discussed include buffer size; multiple copies; screen speedup; print spooler; startup shortcuts; accounting files; type-ahead buffers; and logon macros for use with other online services. (12 references) (LRW)

Presents suggestions from online searchers for using online services. Topics discussed include decreasing costs by using less expensive files; modifying searches on Dialog; use of controlled vocabularies and free text; using a variety of databases; the importance of search intermediaries understanding the topic; and patent searching. (LRW)

Describes specific techniques for using the MAP command for business searches on DIALOG that use more than one file. Limits of the MAPping function are discussed, and modification of these techniques for application to other databases and systems is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

This article examines the Harvard Business Review Online (HBRO) database (bibliographic description fields, abstracts, extracted information, full text, subject descriptors) and reports on 31 sample HBRO searches conducted in Bibliographic Retrieval Services to test differences between searching full text and searching bibliographic record. Sample…