Describes features of a new type of chemical database which provides the ability to search for substances sharing particular structural characteristics. Search concepts are examined in detail, and menu selection of "screens," system commands, and interpretation of results (which appear in the form of chemical bond structures) are…

Freedom from the necessity for technical understanding of online technology allows librarians to focus on the human factors in online interaction. This article discusses estimates of Web use, need for user assistance, alternative sources of information, information overload and relevance, Internet identities, pornography and library policy, and…

Based on the results of a two-year study conducted by the Getty Art History Information Program of online searching by humanities scholars, implications are drawn for the design of information products. Topics include characteristics of humanities scholars; design and content of databases; indexing vocabulary; and interfaces and command languages.…

Organizations, programs, and other resources for data sharing in higher education are listed and described, with addresses provided. They include existing data-exchange programs and consortia, survey programs and databases, and a list of papers presented at the 35th Forum of the Association for Institutional Research. (MSE)

Discussion of electronic information products for the humanities focuses on users in Italy. Databases are discussed; a user survey of La Sapienza University Arts Faculty is described; an example of research using two databases, FRANCIS and Philosopher's Index, is given; and Italian products and projects for the humanities are reviewed. (15…

Describes the process of question referral in California's second-level reference centers where questions are referred by public librarians, and provides examples of questions and sources typical of humanities research. Topics include the varied clientele and the use of databases, reference files, library collections, organizations, special…

Surveys the field and literature of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data representation as it relates to GIS. Highlights include GIS terms, data types, and operations; vector representations and raster, or grid, representations; spatial indexing; elevation data representations; large spatial databases; and problem areas and future…

Describes the kinds of online sources to use and processes involved in finding information on emerging markets and new industry trends. Highlights include relevance ranking in DIALOG searches; press releases; news sources; news alert services; market research reports; tracking research in progress; company information; and tracking subsidiaries.…

Presents an overview of the 1990 census and its many components, including sources of census data, format availability such as CD-ROM and databases, and ways in which census data are used. The effect of new technology, especially CD-ROM, on users and reference librarians is considered. (Author/LRW)

Discusses environmental science and environmental education in Canada and describes sources of environmental information currently available. Highlights include environmental databases; environmental information online, including indexing and abstracting services as well as full-text coverage; and the growing amount of environmental information on…

It is proposed that numerous national surveys of faculty since the late 1960s provide institutional researchers and others with rich sources of descriptive data to help address the shifting national issues and institutional concerns related to faculty resources. An annotated list of 12 major faculty surveys is appended. (MSE)

Describes a technique for linking searches from the PsycLIT CD-ROM database with local journal holdings in a library. Explains the step-by-step methodology of the technique and covers major advantages and drawbacks of the new technique. (Author/AEF)

Describes online and CD-ROM databases that contain trademark information and presents guidelines for using these sources to help research and create trademarks. Sidebars present Internet trademark resources, searching tips, additional print and online sources for trademark information, U.S. Federal trademark databases, and online access to…

Every dollar counts in today's school libraries, where a resource is evaluated not just by the cost, but also by how many students will utilize it. A recent survey shows that many school librarians rely on their state to help provide (and pay for) databases that their students can access from the school media center or at their public library.…

This study looks at the issue of using alternative databases to support research on historical topics. The literature on online searching in history is not as well developed, nor as extensive, as literature about online searching in other subject areas. In addition, there are only two major databases that are history-specific in terms of subject…