Compares and evaluates three CD-ROM products for the ERIC database: (1) DIALOG OnDISC; (2) OCLC's Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter. The focus is on search capabilities and features. (1 reference) (MES)

Describes the Pro-Cite database management system and its uses in searching RLIN, OCLC, DIALOG, BRS, etc.; downloading results on a floppy or hard disk; converting downloaded records into Pro-Cite databases; and editing, selecting, indexing, and printing out the selected records in a variety of bibliographic styles. (DMM)

Reviews "robot" search engines specifically developed for information retrieval on the World Wide Web, examines automated and designated robot searching tools, and offers tips to help users judge the usefulness of Web search engines. Discusses sample searches of automated and designated search engines and presents example computer…

Evaluates TRADEMARKSCAN image retrieval using DIALOGLINK communications software. Factors discussed include TRADEMARKSCAN's composition, retrieval methods, file size, downloading and printing time and costs, and database applications. Software requirements and functions relevant to image retrieval are also discussed, and suggestions for…

Reviews ConSearch 3.0, a product that provides flexible searching of electronic files, allowing the location of related meanings as well as exact matches. ConSearch 3.0 differs from other file retrieval approaches by relating words in search phrases of questions to the "meaning" of the words, which are stored in a "conceptual…

Presents a computer software review of the graphical online interface, Ovid client for Windows. Evaluates the following system options: database choices, graphical interface, index browsing, searching, topical limiting, term mapping, displaying, printing, and downloading. Sidebars display product information and feedback from Ovid Technologies in…

These three articles discuss communications software that is designed for use in online searching on a personal computer. Highlights include criteria for choosing software; a review of general purpose communications software packages and their suitability for online searching; software for end users; future possibilities; and five experts' top…

Defines the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) full text, and reviews its past, present, and future uses in libraries. Discusses advantages, disadvantages, and uses of searchable and nonsearchable full-text databases. Also comments on full-text CD-ROM products and on technological advancements made by library vendors. (JMV)

When DIALOG introduced DIALMAIL, its electronic mail service, online searchers were encouraged to use it as an alternative delivery method for offline prints. The new method of retrieval was considered to be fast and described in documentation and reviews as being much less expensive than online types. Performed in June 1987, this study compares…

Describes a portable CD-ROM machine intended for the mass market that provides access to searchable text, graphics, and audio through a user-friendly interface. Six search modes and other system features are reviewed, and electronic texts for the unit are introduced. A table compares features of the two available models. (NRP)

Criticizes reviews of library CD-ROM products as being uncritical of the user interface and advocates a more rigorous evaluation, not only to aid potential buyers, but as a way to influence manufacturers. Congressional Information Services' Masterfile 2 is evaluated in the context of Heckel's "Principles of Friendly Software Design." (24…