In this paper, we propose a syntax-based text retrieval system for on-line language learning and use a fast regular expression search engine as its main component. Regular expression searches provide more scalable querying and search results than keyword-based searches. However, without a well-designed index scheme, the execution time of regular…

Compares the user features of an in-house online search system based on automatic indexing with those of commercial search services, considering specific user types, file structure and applications, and the basic operating system environment. (FM)

Describes methods for applying natural-language processing for automatic concept-based indexing of full text and methods for exploiting the structure and hierarchy of full-text documents to a large collection of full-text documents drawn from the Health Services/Technology Assessment Text database at the National Library of Medicine. Examines how…

Provides overview of Ergonomics Abstracts Retrieval System (EARS), an online bibliographic search and retrieval system in the area of human factors engineering. Other online systems are described, the design of EARS based on inverted file organization is explained, and system expansions including a thesaurus are discussed. (Author/LRW)

This sixth and final course installment discusses subject access to information through the online catalog. Highlights include online catalog transaction logs (printouts showing each step in all searches done in system), search effectiveness, online user training, unified access, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and online catalog design.…

In this fourth of five course installments, statements by four practitioners and researchers on role of Library of Congress (LC) and its subject headings in improving subject access to United States libraries are presented. Comments from LC and a tabulation of suggestions from 10 respondents are included. (EJS)

Describes the Kodak Picture Exchange that includes a database of over 200,000 photographic images collected from 28 stock photography companies in the United States that allows the user to search for images by topic. Highlights include installing the software, alternative search strategies, costs, manipulating images, and rules governing the use…

This document is the newest revision of the third manual documenting the National Agricultural Library database. Since it began in 1970, the AGRICOLA database has continued to grow and to change steadily; new subfiles have been added, database record formats have been expanded, and subject category code schemes have been modified several times.…

Based on a series of studies performed by ERIC/Information Resources staff and consultants which focused on the activities of over 40 experienced online searchers, this report offers the following suggestions for enhancing certain online retrieval system features and making improvements in ERIC vocabulary: (1) the implementation of an online…

Describes research designed to improve automatic pre-coordinate term indexing by applying language analysis techniques to identify term sources in requests, and to generate variant expressions of concepts involved for document text searching. Text analysis, term extraction, variant generation, and retrieval trial are highlighted. Thirteen…

SOLAR is an interactive Storage and On-Line Automatic Retrieval system which is operational at Washington State University. It can run continuously with virtually any mix of tasks in a general purpose computing environment. (22 references) (Author)

Describes an indexing technique based on overlapping word fragments as reference strings that are linked in a directed graph structure which makes possible exact match-, partial match-, and masked-partial match-retrieval and indicates search strategies for each case. Eight figures, two tables, and nine references are provided. (RBF)

Designed for educators requesting information from ERIC and for the search intermediary who channels educators' requests to a search service, this updated guide explains in non-technical language the steps involved in preparing a computer search for the ERIC database. A beginning section on how to initiate a search discusses the choice of a…

Contained in this report are the results of the second phase (July, 1968 - June, 1970) of the File Organization Project, directed toward the development of a facility in which the many issues relating to the organization and search of bibliographic records in on-line computer environments could be studied. The papers in this volume deal…

In this second of five course installments, key terms in an up-to-date definition of "subject access"--access, collection of items, search words, vocabulary, index or catalog records, related words or clues, file--are identified, and their part in providing subject access in both traditional and computer-based services are discussed.…