Suggestions for the preparation and use of database guide sheets (idiot sheets) highlights when to make an idiot sheet; steps in preparation (define suitable format, gather pertinent information); production; adding notations to vendor-supplied guide sheets; and points to remember. Examples of DIALOG and homemade guide sheets are included. (EJS)

Discusses paragraph qualification, a search strategy used to retrieve information from computerized databases. Positive and negative paragraph qualification, after-the-fact qualification, multifile searching, and free text searching are described, using examples from the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Search System. (EJS)

Describes a technique for editing and formatting online database searches which provides the requestor/user with a clean finished and more readily understandable product. (CWM)

This document has been developed as a companion to the NCHEMS Statewide Measures Inventory with the objective of assisting individuals in the identification of available sources of data that can be related to postsecondary education planning and decision making in the United States. It identifies and describes a number of publications, articles,…

This article discusses sources from which information used in in-house databases can be obtained and enumerates points to consider in database building phase (test database design ideas against external database if available, make arrangements for data entry, exercise quality control). Fourteen contractors or sources of computerized information…

This manual describes the contents, purpose, and use of the Australian Education Index Database (AEII), which is produced by the Library and Information Services Unit of the Australian Council for Educational Research to provide access to Australian generated information both in published and unpublished forms. An overview of AEII is followed by…

This report presents recommendations for compiling inventories of state health data sources in an attempt to stimulate preparation and publication of a "Compendium of State Data Sources for Health Planners" for each state. Areas considered are: (1) planning the project; (2) technical assistance available; (3) kinds of data needed; (4)…

Suggests standards designed to guide potential database users through a systematic evaluation process to choose database appropriate for particular application. Comparison standards are provided for database content (scope, completeness, source coverage, selection/evaluation, redundancy, references); database systems (documentation, accessibility,…

Briefly describes the development of databases since 1979 for searching online the geographic aspects of international relations topics. Online news services, commercial databases, and government-reproduced foreign affairs databases are discussed. Some suggestions for useful future sources are also made. (JL)

Presents an approach to using online sources of information for competitor intelligence (i.e., monitoring industry and tracking activities of competitors); identifies principal sources; and suggests some ways of making use of online databases. Types and sources of information and sources and database charts are appended. Eight references are…

Describes seven activities that offer opportunities for entrepreneurs working with information: leveraging database information; customizing information; facilitating access to information; speeding up the flow of information; repackaging information; providing around the clock delivery; and integrating computer, telephone, and electronic funds…

This chapter describes how ERIC addresses the problems resulting from four conditions that make it unique in the indexing field: (1) its subject area includes a wide range of subspecialists; (2) its clientele is extremely diverse; (3) it has a dual retrieval purpose--for both manual and computer access; and (4) its retrieval is challenged by the…

The last of four volumes in a series describing the basic documentation practices involved in the initial setting up and subsequent operation of an information-library organization to provide defense-aerospace scientific and technical information services, this manual consists of three sections. In "Security Storage and Control," Michael…

The New York State Library is conducting two regional pilot programs to provide on-line information services to public, academic, and special library patrons. These procedures and guidelines were written for reference librarians in participating libraries who will act as the intermediaries between their patrons and the search analysts at the State…

Provided in this inventory are sources of numerical or factual data in selected fields of basic science and applied science/technology. The objective of the inventory is to provide organizations and individuals (scientists, engineers, and information specialists), particularly those in developing countries, with basic data sources relevant to…