Compares and evaluates the databases covering the literature of sports and recreation. Discusses information scatter in the discipline, exhaustivity of coverage within particular databases, and search strategies, vocabulary control, and database overlap. Included are nine data tables and four appendices illustrating search results. (JL)

Describes a study evaluating the effectiveness of the Information Retrieval, Ltd. (IRL) Life Sciences Collection database in a field where BioSciences Information Service (BIOSIS) claims to offer comprehensive coverage of the international literature. The two databases are described, and the depth of controlled indexing is compared for the two

Describes a study conducted at the Drexel University Library assessing the ability of the ERIC and Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) databases to support the research needs of library science students. A list of search topics and strategies is appended. (Author/LLS)

Examines the effectiveness of online searching for embedded stories, poems, essays, and other literary works in the Magazine Index and Modern Language Association Bibliography databases. Strategies and results of 16 test searches set up to test the access capabilities of the two databases are profiled. (SW)

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…

Two tables compare projected costs of online versus offline retrieval of citations from 50 databases using BRS and DIALOG. Data include database; databank; cost of access per hour; cost of 15-minute search with no retrieval; and cost of 15-minute search plus cost of 10 and 30 online or offline citations. (CLB)

Evaluates criminal justice coverage in on-line, commercially available data bases using both "Hot Topics" and general profiles. Charts show topics covered, periodicals indexed by each data base, and recommendations for which data base to use for various topics; appendixes present indexing terms used by and annotations for selected data…

Categorizes software packages for microcomputer database creation by their typical features and strengths, and discusses appropriate applications of each category. A directory of vendors for each type of software--text retrieval, file managers, database management, information storage and retrieval, integrated bibliographic systems, and library…

Presents overview of NEXIS, an online computer system providing access to the full text of magazines, newspapers, and wire services relevant to public affairs, social science, business, and general news. Describes free text search techniques, system features, and costs. A special NEXIS terminal has been developed by Mead Data Center. (RBF)

Compares two full featured database management systems for bibliographic information in terms of programs and documentation; record creation and editing; online database citations; search procedures; access to references in external text files; sorting and printing functions; style sheets; indexes; and file operations. (four references) (CLB)

Briefly evaluates the use of the InfoTrac system by students at the Indiana University library for computer-assisted searching. The evaluation covers the reliability of the equipment and software; improvements in the system; user needs and satisfaction; and emerging competitive systems. (CLB)

Describes the McKenna Information Center's application of BRS/SEARCH, information retrieval software, as part of its services to Kennmetal Inc., its parent company. Features and uses of the software, including commands, custom searching, menu-driven interfaces, preparing reports, and designing databases are covered. Nine examples of software…

Compares Wilson's database tape and the IAC "Expanded Academic Index" as explored by librarians in the State University System of Florida. Features addressed include journal coverage; abstracts and full text; subject headings, including consistency versus precision and controlled vocabularies; search software; disk storage requirements;…