Describes EasyNet, a gateway system to multiple online vendors. It allows occasional access without learning each system's commands or contracting with each vendor, with either the searcher selecting the database or letting the system select one. Costs are described and various special option plans for specific types of libraries are explained.…

Discusses new pricing models for some online services and considers the possibilities for the traditional online database market. Topics include multimedia music databases, including copyright implications; other retail-oriented databases; and paying for free databases with advertising. (LRW)

This booklet describes online searching using Materials Information, a metallurgy and metals science information service of the Institute of Metals in London and ASM International in Cleveland, Ohio, which is available through the major online vendors. Described in detail are online searching, online databases, costs, online hosts or vendors,…

Two tables compare projected costs of online versus offline retrieval of citations from 50 databases using BRS and DIALOG. Data include database; databank; cost of access per hour; cost of 15-minute search with no retrieval; and cost of 15-minute search plus cost of 10 and 30 online or offline citations. (CLB)

Discusses taking content online and payment models online based on sessions at the 1996 Internet World International conference in London (England). Highlights include publishers' decisions to reproduce materials on the World Wide Web; designing Web sites; guidelines for online content; online pricing; and the pros and cons of charging online…

Describes the availability of databases held on DIALOG, ESA-IRS, and DATA-STAR. Database overlap among the systems, prices, database contents, and data transmission costs are addressed; and results of a search of the ENVIROLINE database on each system are presented. The appendix lists subjects referenced on each system and compares database…

This two-part study was designed (1) to determine differences in the costs of searching BRS After Dark (BRS AD) and Knowledge Index (KI) generally and across ten selected databases, and (2) to determine whether there is a difference in the citations retrieved when the same search is conducted on the same database in both systems. Study methodology…

Compares the performance of ABI/INFORM on the DIALOG, NEXIS and DIALCOM systems in terms of documentation, database and system design, convenience, and cost. Examples of searches on the various systems are given. (CLB)

Examines the costs of finding information on the Internet via basic online access providers and consumer information utilities. Offers tips and strategies to help in choosing and using a search service. Presents a table that outlines suggested costs for example Internet searches. (JMV)

Highlights the unique characteristics of NEXIS, a full-text database of newspaper, wire-service, magazine and newsletter stories, and discusses its structure, educational versus commercial rates, the old versus new price structure, and search tips. An addendum describes changes through October 1985 and detailed appendices are included. (Author/EM)

Discusses Dialog's recent new pricing structure and its effects on librarians and other information professionals. Presents charts that compare Dialog databases with other search services (Dow Jones Interactive, LEXIS-NEXIS, OCLC FirstSearch, Ovid, Questel-Orbit, SilverPlatter, and STN) and Dialog via other channels (DataStar, Dialog Select,…

Describes a Web-based information service, Northern Light, which demonstrates a new paradigm for serving large populations of users and delivering high-quality content on topics both general and narrow. Discusses performance of the search engine, search syntax, Northern Light's special collection, and pricing. (AEF)

Examines two databases--MEDLINE and ABI/INFORM--as currently implemented on laserdisk, commercial systems, and local time-sharing in the University of Pennsylvania libraries. The direct costs to the library of installing and operating the three formats are analyzed, and costs and benefits to users are discussed, including comparisons of the…

Describes consumer or business-oriented online services that provide access to current news information and offers a less expensive alternative to standard online databases. Online clipping services are discussed, their costs are examined, and profiles of five services are compared: CompuServe, CompuServe as a gateway to IQuest, DELPHI, DIALCOM,…

Considers electronic online access to newspapers, magazines, and newsletters. Legal factors discussed include license agreements and copyright; financial factors include royalties, pricing, and publisher priorities; and technological factors include keyed versus electronic copy, electronic delivery, graphics, telecommunications, and image-based…