Discussion of database design that allows wider range of capabilities than conventional information retrieval database covers prestructuring of searches to pinpoint target items, which are selected from browseable display, and navigation capability, which allows user to move from record to record within database to facilitate extraction of…

Describes various ways in which software systems for online catalogs can be designed to enhance subject access. Highlights include what to search (subject headings, titles, notes, authority-file records, classification numbers, and associated text); truncation and stemming; spelling correction; search strategies (headings, keywords, Boolean…

The National Library of Medicine's Current Information Transfer in English public access online catalog offers unique subject search capabilities--natural-language query input, automatic medical subject headings display, closest match search strategy, ranked document output, dynamic end user feedback for search refinement. References, description…

Describes software for displaying documents on computer graphics screens which provide the opportunity for interactive user interfaces. Based on a software system called Guide, this new approach relies on advances in hardware, such as the CD ROM, and can be used in the front end of a document retrieval system. (Author/LRW)

Describes a computer-assisted learning (CAL) system which incorporates a front-end processor for controlling communication between terminal user and mainframe, and the accessing and displaying of invariant information (held on microfiche) at the appropriate terminal. (Author)

Describes in detail features of the IBM personal computer's components--computer, keyboard, monitor, printer, modem--and outlines specific choices for one searching machine that works well (system unit, disk drives, adapter boards, monitor, printer, modem, cables, options, supplies, software). Reasons to choose IBM personal computer for online…

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

Describes some of the problems encountered in full text searching and suggests ways to overcome them. Areas discussed include differences between online and offline versions of full text; lack of precise and flexible indexing; software inadequacies; record displays; typographical errors; and problems with both global and source searching. (six…

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

Describes new technology known as videodisc, including optical videodisc, capacitance electronic disc, and video high density disc. Entertainment, educational, training, and information storage and retrieval potentials of videodiscs are discussed. A list of agencies active in optical disc applications, useful Canadian videodisc contacts, and a…

Describes the features and operations of a user-searchable online catalog called PaperChase which was developed and implemented for the retrieval of medical literature by physicians at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Interaction with the system and use of the catalog during its first year of operation are discussed. (JL)

InfoQUEST is a microcomputer-based online public access catalog, designed for the small library handling file sizes up to 25,000 records. Based on the IBM-PC, or compatible machines, the system will accept downloading, in batch mode, of records from the library's file on the UTLAS Catalog Support System. (Author/EJS)

Describes applications in variety of settings of videodiscs as tools of information retrieval with online databases, identifies underlying technical capabilities, and discusses five operations required to implement any application: coordinating diverse formats; indexing; physically arranging items on disc; designing input, search, and output;…

Discusses the integration of subject pathfinders into online public access catalogs (OPAC) through following features: within the OPAC, offline user guide manuals, remotely printed upon user request, or online as saved searches displayed in help screen format. Excerpts of a pathfinder display for biotechnology are presented. Four sources are…