Provides description of principal database sources for information on current events--newspaper indexes (e.g., INFORMATION BANK, VU/TEXT, NEWSPAPER INDEX); magazine databases (e.g., NEXIS-MAGS, MAGAZINE ASAP); wire service databases (e.g., NewsNet, WIRES, NEWS); and reference databases (encyclopedias, yearbooks, FACTS ON FILE). A list of the 37…

Examines current events databases that are general in coverage--Abstrax 400, UPI News, Information Access Corporation's databases. Documentation and personal name searching, basic database structure, retrieval of personal names as subjects, precision, improving recall, and do's and don'ts are covered. Summary of retrieval methods and sample…

Presents overview of NEXIS, an online computer system providing access to the full text of magazines, newspapers, and wire services relevant to public affairs, social science, business, and general news. Describes free text search techniques, system features, and costs. A special NEXIS terminal has been developed by Mead Data Center. (RBF)

This second installment covers online sources to be used for searching current events questions on "who" (identification or background of a particular name), "where" (geographic areas, statistical databases), and "what" (international trade, foreign aid, international relations, crime, and disasters). A list of 139…