Discussion of bibliographic database management in industrial and government research and development organizations focuses on a class on bibliographic database management offered at the library of the Naval Ocean Systems Center. The organization of the class is explained, and database structure and cataloging guidelines for project documentation…

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…

Reports information gathered from eight vendors on the preparation of bibliographic data for CD-ROM public access catalogs: (1) sources of bibliographic records; (2) duplicate record handling; (3) holdings and location information; (4) maintaining the database; (5) authority control; (7) record corrections; (7) extraction of subsets; (8)…

Discusses databases and database management systems and explains how they can be used to organize and provide access to information. Highlights include relational models, database design considerations (particularly normalization), query languages used in programming, screen displays, data integrity and security, and effects of the organizational…

Discusses the variety of search command languages among online systems and provides suggestions for creating online information retrieval manuals using a database management system such as dBASE III PLUS. An online systems comparison chart is included for INFOGLOBE, INFOMART, DIALOG, QUICK LAW, and REUTERS TEXTLINE. (LRW)

Provides a decision table that uses the difference in online and offline printing charges for a specified format, and the online connect charges in a database, to determine which mode of printing will cost the least. Methods for eliminating duplicate citations in printouts from searches of multiple databases are also described. (CLB)

Guidelines for library automation include information on currently available microcomputer-based software products appropriate for small libraries and integrated systems for the larger libraries that can afford them. Costs, capabilities, functions, and vendor service are discussed, and a directory of vendors is included. (CDD)

Defines and discusses competitive intelligence for business decision making and suggests the use of online databases to start looking for relevant information. The best databases to use are described, designing the search strategy is explained, reviewing and editing results are discussed, and the presentation of results is considered. (LRW)

Argues that the selection of a database is a significant factor in the success and cost effectiveness of an online search, and provides guidelines for determining whether the content of a database is relevant for a particular search and whether the database is accessible, affordable, and suitable for the search. (LAE)

Describes how keyboard macro processors can be used in the context of online searching to store alternative search statements before going online. An example using ProKey software is included, and its advantages and limitations are described and compared with the more sophisticated front end systems available. (EM)

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…

Discusses methods of evaluating commercial online databases and provides examples that illustrate their hidden dimensions. Topics addressed include size, including the number of records or the number of titles; the number of years covered; and the frequency of updates. Comparisons of Readers' Guide Abstracts and Magazine Article Summaries are…

Provides guidelines on using two national networks, BITNET and the Internet. The discussion covers electronic mail, bulletin boards, collections of public files, downloading files, logging into remote systems over the Internet, online catalogs and local databases on the Internet, and future applications. (2 references) (MES)

This description of the experience of a large academic library using headings in the OCLC database which have been converted to AACR2 forms incorporating LC authority records includes specific problems as well as benefits. Cataloging guidelines used by the staff at the University of Illinois are appended. (RAA)

At the University of Dayton in Ohio, a database management system maintains records of 10,000 students from their initial admission application until graduation. (Author)