Describes Datamondo, an instructional package that introduces the use of a newspaper database in humanities teaching at the secondary level in Italy. The effectiveness of the package in developing basic linguistic skills and as a research tool is evaluated. (8 references) (Author/CLB)

Man-machine interface, the concept of a computer "query," a review of database technology, and a description of the use of query languages at Brigham Young University are discussed. The pros and cons of end-user use of database query languages are explored. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the difficulties encountered in accessing online information on women and women's issues that results from the indexing of relevant items across several databases. A project designed to index literature on employment, equality, and gender within a single database is described. (CLB)

The first article describes SPORT, a database providing international coverage of athletics and physical education, and compares it to other online services in terms of coverage, thesauri, possible search strategies, and actual usage. The second article reviews available online information on sports medicine. (CLB)

The authors discuss types of resources available to vocational teachers that may prove helpful during preparation of updated curricula. Types include (1) computerized databases, (2) regional curriculum coordination centers, (3) state resource centers, (4) specialized curriculum centers, and (5) individual expertise. (CH)

An analysis of pricing policies and costs of LEXIS and WESTLAW indicates that it is less expensive to subscribe to both using a PC microcomputer rather than a dedicated terminal. Rules for when to use each database are essential to lowering the costs of online legal research. (EM)

This discussion of information technology and its impact on library operations and services emphasizes the development of microcomputer and laser optical disc technologies. Libraries' earlier responses to bibliographic utilities, online databases, and online public access catalogs are described, and future directions for library services are…

Compares the performance of ABI/INFORM on the DIALOG, NEXIS and DIALCOM systems in terms of documentation, database and system design, convenience, and cost. Examples of searches on the various systems are given. (CLB)

A test was given that (1) assessed business students' ability to read materials from microcomputer database software manuals and (2) assessed their knowledge of technical vocabulary terms from the manuals. Test results revealed that the students' technical reading and vocabulary skills were considerably below those they would need to use…

Online information services (e.g., DIALOG, ORBIT) and computer databases (e.g., Social Sciences Citation Index, Historical Abstracts) that historians can use in their historical research are discussed. The important differences among representative databases are described. (RM)

Provides overview of design requirements for transparent information retrieval (implies that user sees through complexity of retrieval activities sequence). Highlights include need for transparent systems; history of transparent retrieval research; information retrieval functions (automated converters, routers, selectors, evaluators/analyzers);…

Reviews new educational materials designed for microcomputer use: compact disk encyclopedia derived from "Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia"; "PC Word Power," vocabulary enhancement game; "Public Domain Software on File," 250 programs for Apple II microcomputer users; "RightWriter," program designed to teach effective writing; "Kansas…

Includes description of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), critical examination of the ERIC Thesaurus' structure and design, and a discussion of its descriptors, scope notes, multiword terms, coverage, and linguistics. Four online searches are described and search subject treatment in three other educational thesauri are compared…

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, the author provides an overview of center activities, including contributions in the areas of competency-based education, leadership development, equity and access, policy planning and evaluation, developing linkages, and dissemination of…

Presents a product selection chart for 12 currently available gateways or front-end packages suitable for online searching. Information provided for each package includes producer, cost, type, location, information accessed, equipment required, operating system, and search capabilities. A 94-item bibliography to published literature on these…