Discusses the rationale, principles, required tools, advantages, and disadvantages of the Multifile Multidisciplinary (Horizontal) Search approach to searching online databases. It is noted that this approach is characterized by the use of a large number of files spanning a wide variety of disciplines. (12 references) (MES)

Reports on a study designed to ascertain the occurrence of 10 terms from the field of urban planning in 55 databases available on the DIALOG system by searching the terms in the Dialindex file. Total postings and postings in 10 top ranking databases for each term are shown. (eight references) (MES)

Focuses on concordances from the language learner's point of view, and discusses how concordances might be integrated into a word processor as a step toward a fully integrated word processing environment with a range of on-line word-based resources. (Author/VWL)

This digest describes the traditional, new, and emerging points of access to the ERIC system: (1) traditional print access; (2) online access through commercial vendors; (3) CD-ROM; and (4) ERIC Digests Online. Also described are services offered by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources (ERIC/IR) that provide access to the system--ERIC…

Describes the computer-based online system, UNBIS, developed for expanded reference and information services and to provide bibliographic control of United Nations document holdings. The report includes descriptions of current and future UNBIS information products. (RAA)

Reviews the special requirements of a bibliographic database, and shows how they are met in the DOBIS-LIBIS (Dortmund Library System-Leuven Library System) system. Full authority file control over the indexes to the database is discussed, and the DOBIS-LIBIS system is described in detail. References are included. (Author/BK)

This guide provides annotated lists of books, journals, indexes, and computer-based services and organizations that are sources of test information. The guide directs educators to test information about assessing academic ability, aptitude, achievement, personality, vocational aptitude, and intelligence, as well as specialized topics such as…

The use of online searching by reference librarians to provide actual answers and not just bibliographies or current awareness printouts has the potential to save time and money for the reference department. The quick reference service can actually promote rather than compete with the library's online search service for in depth subject searching.…

Describes principles underlying the development of guides for electronic indexes such as the Catholic Periodical and Literature Index (CPLI): begin with basic steps, keep it simple, answer questions most frequently asked, be consistent, emphasize search techniques that use the strengths of the index. Includes a copy of the guide for the CPLI on…

Describes reference and information services which special libraries may provide in serving clientele, including information services, bibliographic services, online search services, document delivery services, indexing services, abstracting services, publishing and alerting services, translation services, newspaper clipping services, and records…

Examines online and printed equivalents of selected government documents indexes to compare the recall, precision, overlap, and cost effectiveness of online and manual searching. Indexes studied were the Monthly Catalog, CIS (Congressional Information Service) Index, and Government Reports Announcements and Index. (CLB)

Discusses the controversy over whether or not libraries should charge fees for online bibliographic services, reviews the evidence for imposing fees, for maintaining free services, and outlines the relevance of certain sections of the United States Code to decisions concerning the provision of information. Twenty-four references are included. (JL)

This excerpt from "The CD-ROM Handbook" (Desmarais, Meckler Corp., 1988) describes a variety of CD-ROM products with library applications. Highlights include cataloging services; acquisitions; public access catalogs; reference works; indexes and databases; and names and addresses of 30 vendors connected with the optical publishing…

Demonstrations to graduate education students on the use of the ERIC database for research of children's literature materials involved using the thesaurus and subject indexes. Electronic searches served as follow-up to the classroom instruction, and the advantages of online searching were illustrated through various approaches used to retrieve…

Describes public library reference service which allows patrons to type out search instructions on a computer terminal, review and select references, and receive, by high-speed printer, facsimile copy of selected periodical articles. Development of periodicals center at main county library and use of self-coaching SEARCH HELPER system are…