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)

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,…

Evaluates these two bibliographic databases for geosciences information in terms of their content coverage, search methodologies, user effort, and analysis of results. (SW)

A pilot study at the University of Arizona library reports improvement in verification of questionable citations by using RLIN and OCLC as reference tools in place of print sources. A further full-scale study is planned. (RAA)

Patron service is a high priority in the library setting and alleviating a large percentage of the directional questions will provide librarians with more time to help patrons more thoroughly than they are able to currently. Furthermore, in view of the current economic trend of downsizing, a navigational computer system program has the potential…

Examines some of the many Internet/World Wide Web versions of MEDLINE and reports whether the file is "healthier" now than it was before. Describes two search examples and two non-National Library of Medicine Web MEDLINE sites. Notes that for MEDLINE searching, the user should pick a couple of sites and perform a personal comparisons and…

Virtual Reference Canada (VRC) is a digital reference service using World Wide Web technology. It was initiated by the National Library of Canada (NLC) in spring 2001 and went into test mode at the start of 2002. It draws on the contribution of a wide range of Canadian libraries and allied institutions. The development of VRC owes a great deal to…

Assesses the current state of reference structures in online public access catalogs (OPACs) in a framework defined by stagnation, progress, and future challenges. Outlines six areas for reference structure development. Twenty figures provide illustrations. (AEF)

Online bibliographic searching provides an alternative to the traditional manual literature search to access the already large and rapidly growing literature on agriculture. The advantages of online searching over manual searching are greater speed, increased accuracy, and the capability of searching for any combination of topics at once. The…

Discusses the problems involved in locating information sources that provide evaluative reports, summaries, and/or reviews of print and nonprint materials. Guides to selection processes and to reviewing sources are reviewed, as well as tools for accessing information through manual and computerized searching, sources for media information, and for…

Because freely accessible resources allow searching without the constraints of costs for connect times, the Internet resources profiled in this article are intended for browsing. Includes references for some valuable patent information but not for extensive patent searching. (AEF)

Presents a selective annotated list of environment-related Web sites for reference use. The term "environment" has been considered both broadly and traditionally in compiling this list of useful content-based and linking sites. (Author)

The Internet is a vast computer network that consists of smaller interconnected computer networks. As K-12 schools connect to the Internet, a new means of communication opens up to educators and students. This digest describes some sample services and resources available to the K-12 community via electronic mail. Information sources covered in…

Provides a guide to selective Economics reference Internet sites. Included are sections on statistical resources, international data, working papers and other sites of interest to economists. (Author)

Discusses the Media Awareness Network, a Web site established by the National Film Board of Canada and designed to provide the latest media-related news; information about media education workshops and other media Web sites; subject specific teaching units; and updates on government policy related to violence, pornography, copyright, and hate…