Examines online and printed equivalents of selected government documents indexes to compare the recall, precision, overlap, and cost effectiveness of online and manual searching. Indexes studied were the Monthly Catalog, CIS (Congressional Information Service) Index, and Government Reports Announcements and Index. (CLB)

This fact sheet offers basic instructions on connecting to the ERIC database for individuals who own or have access to a microcomputer and are familiar with ERIC and how to search it through a database terminal. Software, hardware, and telephone line components necesary to make a microcomputer act as a database terminal are outlined. The…

Presents an annotated list of 17 references dealing with various topics related to telecommunications and online systems. (JN)

This paper presents an overview of the major Canadian online systems, which account for approximately 5% of information vendors and databases worldwide. Also described is DATAPAC, Canada's national telecommunications network, and DATAPAC's X.75 interface with TELENET, TYMNET, UNINET, and France's TRANSPAC. The online systems described include: (1)…

This annual publication describes and appraises activities and trends in the field of information science and technology. The chapters contain scholarly reviews of specific topics as substantiated by the published literature. This volume's nine chapters fit within a basic framework of four sections: "Planning Information Systems and…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Today there are over 900 on-line data banks available for public access. Most microcomputers can use them through the aid of a modem and communication program. Major public information utilities that offer access to these on-line data bases are growing and expanding. The Source, a data base utility…

Online searching is now a recognized specialization in library schools, but there are certain problems involved with offering online courses. There is a large amount of material to be covered, especially in one course. Students must learn new concepts and make them work in a machine environment. It is difficult to offer suggestions for a fruitful…

A well-designed online database system allows users to ask a computer to find only information that is relevant to their needs. A variety of databases exist, each specializing in a particular topic or type of information. Fulltext systems provide complete copies of such documents as news articles, research reports, and software evaluations.…

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Discusses methods for designing search strategies for maximum recall, including minimizing the number of concepts intersected, isolating key subtopics, adapting the strategy to the database, and minimizing problems with search words and codes. (Author/RAA)

Explains search commands for SERIDU, an online bibliographic search system developed at Brussels Free University. These commands and output formats are compared with Euronet commands (from which they were derived), with existing INFODOC storage system commands, and with the planned BIDULE system commands. An evaluation of SERIDU is included. (SW)

Step-by-step instructions for locating material in the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database are provided. Following an introduction, information is presented in three main sections--manual searching, computer searching, and using search results. Subdivisions under manual searching describe who can or should do a manual search…

This manual provides electrical and electronic engineers with an introduction to online information retrieval as implemented on the DIALOG information retrieval system. Sections cover: (1) the development of computerized information retrieval; (2) its advantages; (3) the equipment needed, DIALOG hours of availability, methods of access, and cost…

Discusses how historians can use computer searches to obtain bibliographic information. Historical databases which allow online searches are described. Sample searches are used to illustrate the characteristics of and processes involved in computer searching. (AM)

Describes the use of a telecommunications program called "PC Anywhere" to afford users remote access to compact disc ready-only-memory (CD-ROM) systems. Describes hardware requirements and benefits to libraries and users. (DMM)