Three online databases that provide information on regional, state, and local business news are compared in terms of publications indexed, indexing guidelines, record structure, span of coverage, currency, and availability. (CLB)

This second of a three-part series compares search features (i.e., truncation symbols, boolean operators, proximity operators, phrase searching, save searches) of two databases providing legal information. Search tips concerning charges and effective searching and tables listing functions of commands and proximity operators for both databases are…

Offers overview of research in progress information systems which provide information on projects between inception and published reports, discussing demise of Smithsonian Science Information Exchange (SSIE), and efforts of National Technical Information Service to maintain SSIE files. A listing of 28 research in progress information systems and…

The first article discusses the general trends that led to the existence of online databases, including the development of books and libraries, mathematics and computation, computers, information systems, and databases. The second presents a timeline of major accomplishments in the online database industry from 1945 to the present. (CLB)

This article discusses sources from which information used in in-house databases can be obtained and enumerates points to consider in database building phase (test database design ideas against external database if available, make arrangements for data entry, exercise quality control). Fourteen contractors or sources of computerized information…

Presents an approach to using online sources of information for competitor intelligence (i.e., monitoring industry and tracking activities of competitors); identifies principal sources; and suggests some ways of making use of online databases. Types and sources of information and sources and database charts are appended. Eight references are…

Examines current events databases that are general in coverage--Abstrax 400, UPI News, Information Access Corporation's databases. Documentation and personal name searching, basic database structure, retrieval of personal names as subjects, precision, improving recall, and do's and don'ts are covered. Summary of retrieval methods and sample…

This last installment in a three-part series covers several important areas in the searching of legal information: online (group) training and customer service, documentation (search manuals and other aids), account representatives, microcomputer software, and pricing. Advantages and drawbacks of both the LEXIS and WESTLAW databases are noted.…

Describes InfoTrac, a self-contained periodical reference system designed for in-library use by library patrons; the core database provides coverage of 900 general interest, business, management, and economic periodicals. Confusion in library markets resulting from introduction of new computer technology is discussed, and hardware/software…

Discusses online systems and databases that contain information on Japanese business and economic activity. A reference chart provides the name, address, coverage dates, and costs of major online sources. (CLB)

Reviews developments of online systems in 1986, including available services and databases in several areas, and advances in information storage techniques. The impact of online services on the present and future responsibilities of professional searchers is discussed. (CLB)

Provides an overview of information retrieval from mainframe systems to Web search engines; discusses collaborative filtering, data extraction, data visualization, agent technology, pattern recognition, classification and clustering, and virtual communities. Argues that rather than huge data-storage centers and proprietary software, we need…

This second installment covers online sources to be used for searching current events questions on "who" (identification or background of a particular name), "where" (geographic areas, statistical databases), and "what" (international trade, foreign aid, international relations, crime, and disasters). A list of 139…

Discusses the impact of computerization of maps on access to business and government information that may be geographically referenced and the emergence of a new field, Geographic Information Management (GIM). Applications of hypertext/hypermedia in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are described, and software available for workstations and…

Discusses how to look for jobs via the Internet and online databases. Highlights include Internet sources for job information, including lists, gopher servers, online "Chronicle of Higher Education," College-Wide Information Systems (CWIS), and "America's Job Bank"; options without Internet access; where to list a resume; and…