Twenty multiple-choice questions test basic knowledge of the Chemical Abstracts Service online database. (6 references) (MES)

Twenty multiple-choice questions test for basic knowledge of the AGRICOLA database on the regular, non end-user systems. (5 references) (MES)

Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans.…

Provides step-by-step instructions for ordering documents online through DIALOG and ORBIT, including some helpful hints. Tables show database or independent document suppliers; list ordering commands, with examples; and explain optional commands, for the two retrieval systems. (SW)

Compares three Web-based online reference services that are described as a cross between a traditional database service and a Web search engine: Ask Jeeves (http://www.ask.com), The Electric Library (http://www.elibrary.com), and Information Please (http://www.infoplease.com). Concludes that each has strengths and weaknesses and aren't directly…

An example of an on-line printout from the Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service (DJNR) is given accompanied by a brief discussion of how to use the service, description of how one library uses it, and some of its constraints. (JPF)

A description of how one special library uses B ALLOTS for answering specific questions dealing with monographs, verification of citations, bibliographies on either subjects or authors, background information on organizations, and interlibrary loans. Features of the BALLOTS data base are discussed, including system files, indexes and search keys,…

Discusses results of mail survey eliciting 180 responses from libraries concerning reference use of online databases. Reference database users profile, activity levels and online use, acceptance by librarians of online ready reference searching, administrative considerations, print materials and online availability, and ready reference questions…

Comments based on actual reference use of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--formerly BALLOTS--in a library environment focus on RLIN files, interlibrary loan, search keys, and subject searches. This article updates a description of BALLOTS as it was developed by Stanford University to support cataloging and acquisitions (Online,…

Discusses the implementation of free online search services at the Mount Vernon Public Library for all registered borrowers of the county library system. Policy decisions and planning, operating procedures, publicity, and usage evaluation are noted. Retrieval procedures, search request forms, and sample searches are appended. (EJS)

Describes the successful use of online database systems by the Library Services Division, Center for the Study of Youth Development at Boys Town for answering specific, limited reference questions; and identifies system use in acquisitions, interlibrary loan verification, name/address verification, and identification of persons, groups, or…

Explanation of enhancements of a new version of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--originally called BALLOTS-- focuses on reference applications of what is primarily a technical processing system, e.g., complementing searches, verification, union catalog, and interlibrary loan. Illustrative examples are provided. (EJS)

Summarizes automation of a specialized library at Apple Computer, Inc., describing software packages chosen for the following functions: word processing/text editing; cataloging and circulation; reference; and in-house databases. Examples of each function and additional sources of information on software and equipment mentioned in the article are…

Outlines the operations of the computer search service at the University of Ottawa, including the clientele served and the nature of the service as a research adjunct to reference; publicity and statistics; physical layout; and systems and databases available for online searching. An annotated list of available databases is appended. (FM)

Describes how to use the Internet to access commercial online database services, such as DIALOG, and discusses the advantages in terms of costs, reference services, and accessibility. Outlines in detail how to save a search session or link another terminal to a Telnet session, and provides information and Internet addresses for eight vendor…