Describes characteristics needed by online research librarians to be effective online searchers. Highlights include basic computer skills; expertise in at least one professional online service; ability to search the Web; professional development; people skills; the ability to conduct a good reference interview; and project management skills. (LRW)

Discusses Internet domain naming practices and indicates which Web search engines can effectively search on domain names. Explains top-level domain (TLD) (ex. http://www.access.gpo.gov - ".gov" = top level; ".gpo" = second level; ".access" = third level; and "www" = fourth level domain). Outlines seven new…

Examines the needs of Internet users, reviews the responses to these needs, and discusses the role information professionals play in using and organizing online information. User needs include: ease of use, compatibility, reliability, integration of Internet software, stability, affordability, centralized information-finding mechanisms, quality…

Provides a novice's guide to locating and using patent resources on the Internet. The guide examines how easily a novice can find and use patent resources, and evaluates resources on their search and retrieval capability. Findings are from the author's own experiences with various online services and are presented as personal narratives. (JMV)

Presents results from a collective professional searcher evaluation of the effectiveness of Web search engines versus two traditional online services, DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive. The conclusion outlines: searching assumptions; subjects and types of searches where DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive showed superiority; advantages of using the…

Reviews the Institute for Scientific Information's (ISI) Web interface for its Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science Citation Expanded citation indexes. Discusses content; other Internet efforts from ISI; pricing; searching; quick and full search modes; using the results; document delivery; full text; documentation and help; and future…

Examines the three types of "Aska" services and reviews specific examples. The first claims a user can ask a question in natural language and receive and intelligible response. The second puts the user online with a professional searcher. The third consists of access routes to "experts." Discusses subject-specific expert…

Examines the Amazon.com online bookstore as a blueprint for designing the world's largest library. Topics include selection; accessibility and convenience; quality of Web sites and search tools; personalized service; library collection development, including interlibrary loan; library catalogs and catalog records; a circulation system; costs;…