Discusses the variety of search command languages among online systems and provides suggestions for creating online information retrieval manuals using a database management system such as dBASE III PLUS. An online systems comparison chart is included for INFOGLOBE, INFOMART, DIALOG, QUICK LAW, and REUTERS TEXTLINE. (LRW)

Describes the creation of an interactive retrieval system for electronic numeric files that was developed at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Topics discussed include user characteristics; special data characteristics; quality control; software; hardware; data preparation; database design and construction; interface; subject indexing…

Information Technology is developing rapidly and providing policy/decision makers with large amounts of information that require processing and analysis. Decision support systems (DSS) aim to provide tools that not only help such analyses, but enable the decision maker to experiment and simulate the effects of different policies and selection…

Discussion of information retrieval from online databases focuses on sorting techniques to help the user analyze the increasing number of references that may result from a search. Link analysis and Datalink software are described, and examples using keyword factorial analysis and research pole analysis are presented. (16 references) (LRW)

Describes procedures for importing downloaded bibliographic references using Pro-Cite and EndNote software on the Macintosh microcomputer. The need for a link between a bibliographic database program and the text file is explained, an explanation for users developed at Dartmouth College is presented, and benefits of each linking approach are…

Discusses some widely available spatially referenced datasets, including raster and vector datasets. Strategies for improving accessibility include: acquisition of data in a software-dependent format; reorganization of data into logical geographic units; acquisition of intelligent retrieval software; improving computer hardware; and intelligent…

Discusses the factors considered at DIALOG before creating a CD-ROM version of a data file, including increased revenues potential, technical viability, and user expectations. A checklist of questions used to review possible CD-ROM projects is provided. (EA)

The Machine Readable Collections Reading Room of the Library of Congress is described with an emphasis on the reference assistance required and how it compares with assistance required in other areas of the Library of Congress. The interaction between users and librarians is shown to be like that of bibliographic instruction. (EAM)

Discussion of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) focuses on its applicability to computer records. Agency practices to ensure access to information are considered; requests, litigation, and administrative appeals that have helped clarify the FOIA are described; and computer software, electronic mail, computer programing, and requested formats…

Focuses on four issues related to providing government numeric databases in libraries: hardware, access software, staff skills, and organizing services. Basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of service and a guide for selecting an appropriate level are presented. Examples of screens from actual searches are included. (Contains eight…

This report presents a model combining the emerging technologies of hypertext and expert systems. Hypertext is relatively unexplored but promises an innovative approach to information retrieval. In contrast, expert systems have been used experimentally in many different application areas ranging from medical diagnosis to oil exploration. The…

Describes a method of organizing the hypertext software files in a database containing legal information on housing discrimination to prevent the user from becoming disoriented in the system. The expert system of which the database is a part is explained, and the disorientation problem is discussed. (six references) (LRW)

Describes the networking of CD-ROM drives in libraries to accommodate users' simultaneous access to the same CD-ROM. Highlights include costs; vendors who supply local area network hardware and software; licensing practices; and a sidebar that describes the use of CD-ROM networks at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas. (LRW)

Discusses the design of interfaces for online systems and suggests requirements that must be met to offer maximum aid to inexperienced users. Highlights include the online search process, user data, query processing, database descriptors, semantic links, multilingual processing, search strategies, and distributed systems. A 20-page bibliography…

Discusses the use of remote communications software (RCS) with microcomputers as an inexpensive way to deliver information technologies such as CD-ROM databases to users at remote locations. Typical library applications at the University of Pennsylvania are described, potential disadvantages are presented, and an appendix lists vendors of RCS.…