Although hypertext system usage has been studied, little research has examined the relationship of searcher performance and perception of performance, particularly for hypertext-based information retrieval systems for bibliographic data. This article reports preliminary findings of a study at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in which 83…

In response to the description of CANCODE, a new English-language corpus designed to reflect current English usage, it is argued that although a corpus my be an accurate record of language behavior, it is limited and must not be assumed to be complete or to prescribe for English-as-a-Second-Language teaching. (MSE)

In response to his article describing a new English-language corpus designed to reflect current usage, the author agrees that extreme forms of corpus-driven language teaching are inappropriate but also that more corpus-based language instruction is needed, and that the language teaching can only benefit from better language description. (MSE)

To investigate the relationship between the retrieval mechanism and the level of question elaboration, this study divided 100 questions from the cystic fibrosis database into five conceptual categories based on their semantic representations. Two retrieval methods were chosen to investigate potential differences in outcomes across conceptual…

Provides an overview of computer conferencing and discusses its advantages and efficacy in developing industry-valued competences in terms of: ease of information dissemination, time efficiency, facilitation of multiple tasks, inclusiveness, reflection, student centeredness, learning versus teaching, distance capabilities, presence of moderators,…

Describes the development of a new interface called GPO Gate for accessing the Government Printing Office (GPO) WAIS (wide area information server) databases, GPO Access. Highlights include development and use of GPO Gate at the University of California, San Diego, and implications for public service. (Author/LRW)

Online searchers waste time and money if they log on without first reading help files and database descriptions; determining search goals; tailoring the search to fit needs; choosing the best source; keeping an open mind for search alternatives; considering other keyword search formulations; and knowing the online system tricks and tools. (PEN)

Discusses the benefits of using bibliographic databases on CD-ROM for SDI (selective dissemination of information) in developing countries like India, and describes a method of running an SDI service automatically using two Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) software programs called Stackey and Batutil. (Author/LRW)

Presents results of an analysis of 476 Latin American databases in the social sciences and humanities. Variables studied include country of origin, subject, type of database and access, number of records, time span, geographical coverage, and language. Problems of user access and visibility are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses efforts to locate studies on the older adult second language learner. Notes that one online and three compact disk databases were searched, using search strategies and subject headings appropriate to each particular file. Results reveal that most of the relevant studies were retrieved from the ERIC and the Linguistics and Language…

Describes a web-based technology bank that provides examples of university research of interest to businesses. Addresses the use of electronic communications for dissemination, highlighting potential problems: considerable database maintenance, the volume of information and number of links, and appropriateness of links. (SK)

Reports on the human factors considered in the design and implementation of a digital museum for historic costume. Starting with an elicitation and analysis of the qualitative and functional needs of its users, an evolutionary prototype was developed for a model of digital archiving that delivers a gratifying Web experience, visually and…

Discusses the growth in use and acceptance of Web-based genomic and proteomic databases (GPD) in scholarly communication. Confirms the role of GPD in the scientific literature cycle, suggests GPD are a storage and retrieval mechanism for molecular biology information, and recommends that existing models of scientific communication be updated to…

Describes the digitization projects being undertaken by publishers to provide long runs of back issues of newspapers and journal articles, and the necessary indexing tools, to meet the need for older materials. Discusses search capabilities, links, the addition of metadata, and usage statistics. (LRW)

Discusses the collection fusion problem of image databases, concerned with retrieving relevant images by content based retrieval from image databases distributed on the Web. Focuses on a metaserver which selects image databases supporting similarity measures and proposes a new algorithm which exploits a probabilistic technique using Bayesian…