Surveys journalism and mass communication department heads to address questions related to the use of online databases in journalism higher education, database policy, resources used in providing online services, and satisfaction with database service. Reports that electronic information retrieval is just beginning to penetrate journalism at the…

Presents a set-oriented view of information retrieval and defines a precise model to capture this approach. A number of consequences of the model, such as the limitations implied by a finite index vocabulary, are examined, and the various ways in which the set orientation can influence thinking about information retrieval is discussed. (14…

Describes a study that explored differences in users' and nonusers' perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of online bibliographic searching. The discussion covers the relationship between perceptions about online systems and decisions to use such systems, and the implications of user perceptions of benefits of online searching for user…

Describes a study that examined the appropriateness of database selection by patrons using CD-ROM. The findings discussed include the effect of search experience on appropriate database selection, whether the database used affected search strategies, and patrons' opinions about the need for training and the success of the searches. (three…

Describes a project that examined user selection of databases by monitoring the EasyNet Scan feature (a multifile search option) during 1989. The discussion covers the observed influence of price, database name, recommended database indicator, and record format on database selection. The category menus displayed by EasyNet are provided. (six…

Describes a study that analyzed search results in the medical behavioral sciences to compare the overall performance of descriptor and citation search strategies in identifying relevant and novel documents. The findings are presented in terms of retrieval overlap and novelty percentages, and factors affecting retrieval performance are discussed.…

Describes a study that examined patron response to and success in using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM. Perceived needs for training and satisfaction with the system were measured by asking patrons about ease of use, search success, their need for assistance, and preferences for CD-ROM or print research tools. The questionnaire used is…

Describes the creation and evolution of ERIC during its initial two decades of existence; discusses a recently concluded redesign study and provides some details about changes being implemented in the ERIC system; and considers the future of ERIC in terms of expansion, new technologies, and diversification of funds. (five references) (CLB)

Describes 3.5 years' experience using BRS/After Dark and Dialog's Knowledge Index as the main systems of choice in the mediated search service of a department library on a large academic campus. Factors discussed include average use, costs, databases offered, system capabilities, comparisons of the two systems, and limitations of the systems. (13…

Discusses use of the MARC format for cataloging Internet resources. The benefits of MARC, importance of integrated information resources, and the guarantee of public access are cited as major reasons for using traditional cataloging and library OPACs. Suggests Internet resource collection criteria and the roles of various groups of people needed…

Examines current activities in subject analysis of large bibliographic databases to assist database managers in making cost-effective decisions. Issues addressed include manual indexing aids, automatic indexing, and connecting indexing terms. Several software packages are described, and future research directions are suggested. (58 references)…

Describes the development of an in-house bibliographic database by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory on arctic wetlands research. Topics discussed include planning; identifying relevant search terms and commercial online databases; downloading citations; criteria for software selection; management…

Describes a project that was designed to study the effectiveness and efficiency of editing procedures within an online bibliographic system at a large research university library. A comprehensive statistical overview of editing commands available is presented, frequency of their use is studied, and questions for further research are suggested.…

Reports on a study that analyzed 3,746 papers obtained from retrospective searches of the Medline database according to language, length of abstract, depth of indexing, and inclusion of author's address. The focus is on scientific production in Slavonic countries and the information value of Slavonic papers in Medline. (10 references) (MES)

Describes new methods of bibliographic instruction for the OCLC version of ERIC on CD-ROM at Lehman College of the City University of New York that were precipitated by a revision in the searching software. Librarian training is discussed and small group instruction for students is explained. (LRW)