Despite recognition that database search alone is inadequate even within the health sciences, it appears that reviewers in fields that have adopted systematic review are choosing to rely primarily, or only, on database search for information retrieval. This commentary reminds readers of factors that call into question the appropriateness of…

We researchers have taken searching for information for granted for far too long. The COVID-19 pandemic shows us the boundaries of academic searching capabilities, both in terms of our know-how and of the systems we have. With hundreds of studies published daily on COVID-19, for example, we struggle to find, stay up-to-date, and synthesize…

Discusses the potential sources of knowledge for customizing transportable natural language query systems, including sophisticated dictionaries, database content, and human database experts. A rough quantification of the importance of each source is provided. (17 references) (Author/CLB)

Compares four full text periodical databases to one another and to traditional online databases in terms of the types of information available, the number of titles available, coverage of periodical contents, timeliness, and search features. (CLB)

Compares the terminology used in three different computerized search services--CIJE, LLBA/Online, and PsycINFO--and shows how the choice of terminology used by them impedes retrieval. Suggests compensatory measures. (FL)

The current president of the American Society for Information Science shares his observations about the information industry, identifying positive and negative trends, and discusses the role ASIS can play in the continuing growth of the industry. (Author/CLB)

Discusses the general characteristics and problems of handling Sino-Japanese characters for bibliographic purposes, and describes features of Japanese databases, including requirements for database production, storage, searching, and retrieval of information stored as kanji characters. (9 references) (Author/CLB)

Discussion of issues surrounding the microcomputer's capability to download online search results covers types of downloading; scope of downloading; legal issues (copyright and database contract provisions and policies); and effects of downloading (widespread pricing changes, and provision of database subsets by database producers). (MBR)

Discusses computer use in practice of trademark law by following adoption, filing, and prior use of the trademark "Aspen" (for a fruit juice drink). Databases searched to track previous use of mark, trace possible conflicts, and assist in their resolution are mentioned. Database chart and list of vendors is included. (EJS)

Addresses uses and benefits ERIC receives from MICROsearch, a program for searching downloaded portions of the ERIC database on floppy disks. Use of MICROsearch as a reference tool and for teaching online searching is described, and its limitations and benefits to the online industry are discussed. (MBR)

Outlines some of the basic access, database, and search tools available on the Internet. Includes a list of reference books, manuals, and online electronic papers about the Internet. (Author/JL)

Discusses properties of multiple attribute tree (MAT) and inverted file structures; establishes suitability of MAT data structure for bibliographic files using worst-case performance measures; provides arguments to establish MAT average case superiority; and proposes an efficient adaptation of MAT data structure to exploit special features of MAT…

This description and comparison of the major economic statistical database services discusses such factors as public and proprietary data, value-added services, user training and support, data specialties, and pricing. (CLB)

Describes a simplified online service specifically designed for school and student use, which accesses 90 appropriate databases through the use of menu options, help screens, and search hints. The costs of the service and its use in teaching online search skills are discussed. (CLB)

Introduces search technique that professional searchers often use to start tracking down information regardless of topic. This technique involves using set of large databases that cover material because of format rather than subject. Databases reviewed include books/monographs, journals/magazines, reports, expertise, and full-text and Public…