Provides an overview for searching the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) database on Lockheed's DIALOG system, noting changes during its 11-year history. Background, focus, overlap with other files, vocabulary, full text searching, truncation, search saves, search tips, search examples, superselect, full text backup, and search aids…

A brief definition of some fundamentals of microcomputers and of the ways they may be used in small businesses can help potential buyers make informed purchases. Hardware (the mechanical devices from which computers are made) described here are the video display, keyboard, central processing unit, "random access" and "read only" memories, cassette…

Intended to teach the principles of interactive bibliographic searching to those with little or no prior experience, this textbook explains the basic elements of online information retrieval and compares the major database search systems. Its chapters address (1) relevant definitions and vocabulary; (2) the conceptual facets of database searching,…

This abridged adaptation from the BRS System Reference Manual identifies and briefly explains the meanings and functions of the logical operators used to retrieve information from the BRS system. (FM)

Reviews ART MODERN, an on-line data base which provides comprehensive coverage of current worldwide literature on modern art and design since 1800. Areas described include scope, coverage, arrangement of printed and on-line indexes, characteristics of basic index and code searching; also search hints, search negotiation, searchguide, and data base…

Describes strategies that can be used to search the DIALOG database by date to add precision to searching. The "Current" command is explained, as well as other commands; ways to search a specific year are described; and DIALOG files that are already restricted by date are discussed. (LRW)

This digest describes how to use a microcomputer as a terminal to access ERIC online. Hardware and software requirements are explained, configuring the software is described, and basic requirements for specific microcomputers are listed. One diagram is included. (EW)

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic factual information about the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), its data base, its operation, and its functions. It is intended for libraries which have not yet participated in OCLC, but would be useful as a reference guide in all libraries. Presented in question and answer form, the guide consists…

This descriptive guide provides introductory information geared to aid both the user and the information manager in the use of 3RIP, an online text database system consisting of three components: (1) a retrieval system used to locate and display records, (2) a file handler used to read records from files and to write records onto files, and (3) a…

TRIAL (Technique for Retrieving Information from Abstracts of Literature) is an information storage and retrieval system which can be used by school media specialists to produce indexes of non-print materials. This manual provides a step by step approach for media specialists to automate their non-print holdings. These procedures can also be…

Discusses the long-term value of bibliographic records to the library and the cost and service implications of that value. Topics covered include records in the public domain; sources of machine-readable bibliographic records (bibliographic utilities, state and multistate networks, commercial vendors, federal agencies, libraries); rights and…

Surveys major databases offering access to historical and biographical information in the sciences and highlights special features of each--Histline, America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Agricola, Biosis Previews, CA Condensates, Compendex, Excerpta Medica, Inspec, and Medline. Two references are listed. (EJS)

Provides money-saving tips to reduce online time when searching databases, reviews Alfred Glossbrenner's book on computer searching, and discusses the technical gaffes in the movie "War Games." (MBR)

Describes the Public Access Computer Systems Forum (PACS), a computer conference that deals with all computer systems that libraries make available to patrons. Areas discussed include how to subscribe to PACS, message distribution and retrieval capabilities, subscriber lists, documentation, generic list server capabilities, and other…

Guidelines for use of the Common Command Language (CCL) are briefly described in this report. The CCL was designed to combine functions of individual command languages available with databases on the interactive bibliographic retrieval system 3RIP. Conditions of user-system interaction are explained, with a list of user aids available. The 20…