Explains intelligent agents, special software tools that help make the Web more interactive by helping with information retrieval. Describes major types of agents, including search agents and agents for specialized tasks including monitors and knowledge management; and lists relevant Web sites. (LRW)

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)

Describes ways to make searching on the Internet easier when using dial-up access as opposed to dedicated computer terminals or workstations. Programs to make Internet directory access easier are reviewed; customizing start-up files is explained; and being familiar with communications software is discussed. (LRW)

Lists and describes the 10 best sources for answering statistical questions that are available for free or at a low cost on the World Wide Web. Statistics search tips, government publishers, almanacs, and newspapers are discussed. (LRW)

Discussion of information handling tools focuses on natural language processing and linguistically-based techniques that help improve retrieval performance. Topics include difficulties in information retrieval, including poor questions and ambiguous words; phrase detection; disambiguation; automatic categorization; entity extraction; concept…

The advantages of 1200 baud searching over 300 baud searching are explored with emphasis on equipment selection, offline and online printing, alterations in search style, efficiency, and costs. (JPF)

The problems most frequently encountered in subject searching of the NY Times Information Bank are currency, multiconcept terms, generic descriptors, and verbosity. Vocabulary modifications are proposed and suggestions offered to help searchers overcome these problems and reduce their online connect time. These suggestions decreased the New York…

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…

Describes InfoMaster, a gateway system produced by Western Union, which provides access to 16 online database services. Highlights include the user-oriented, menu-driven gateway approach, range of databases, searching features, and InfoMaster's relationship to the EasyLink data communication service. Sample screen displays are provided. (EM)

Compares traditional online interview with the presearch counseling session (process whereby a librarian, acting in an advisory role, assists client searcher in devising his/her search strategy, before that searcher goes online) and presents a one-step model of a presearch counseling session. An online self-service worksheet and 102-item…

Describes storing of "hedges"--lists of terms on specific subjects--for use in responding to repeated search requests which cannot be retrieved via existing controlled vocabulary. Use of hedges at National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Library, frequently used examples, and Excerpta Medica hedges are highlighted.…

Explores technique which may be used to enhance research by manipulation of databases to determine trends in literature. The online searcher's function supporting research's use of technique is emphasized. An example on the topic of "school desegregation" as covered by various databases, particularly ERIC, is included. Five sources are given. (EJS)

Discusses World Wide Web searching techniques for information professionals, and describes and evaluates four search systems that provide advanced search features and that search a comprehensive and authoritative database of Internet sites. Sample searches are explained and professional searching on the Web is discussed. (LRW)