Examines how online versions of databases vary on different systems. Differences are grouped into three categories: obvious differences, including easily available information such as updating, dates covered, and price; database choice, including subfile structure, field structure, and content; and system choice, including support and system…

Compares the available databases, retrieval techniques and costs of traditional online searching of remote databases and local online access, i.e., databases available at the point of use via CD-ROMs or site licenses. The options and risks of local online access, and the possible impact on the database industry, are discussed. (CLB)

Compares database update currency, number of hits, elapsed time, number of offline prints or online types, offline print turnaround time, vendor rates, total search cost, and discounted search cost based on vendor discount rates for five simple searches run on three major commercial vendors' online systems. (CWM)

Examines the relative benefits and searching philosophies of five major search systems (DIALOG, ORBIT, BRS, NLM, and DOE/RECON) as a selection aid. Differences in command language, full text searching capability, use and expression of Boolean operators, and searching mechanisms are discussed, and comparison charts and system/database comparisons…

The first of four articles describes the move by the European Space Agency to eliminate connect time charges on its online retrieval system. The remaining articles describe the pricing structure of DIALOG, compare the two pricing schemes, and discuss online pricing from the user's point of view. (CLB)

Compares three Web-based online reference services that are described as a cross between a traditional database service and a Web search engine: Ask Jeeves (http://www.ask.com), The Electric Library (http://www.elibrary.com), and Information Please (http://www.infoplease.com). Concludes that each has strengths and weaknesses and aren't directly…

Data collected from analysis of the University of South Dakota's uninhibited database selection and use policy are evaluated as an aid in developing a cost-efficient database searching strategy. Statistics are presented which clarify the effectiveness of single and multiple database use. (SW)

Discusses services offered by CARL UnCover, a commercial full-text article delivery service. The financial savings and benefits of using UnCover to supplement journal subscriptions is presented within the context of a case study of the University of Cincinnati system. (JKP)

Discusses full-text, online databases as a source for unowned documents. A test of the effectiveness of online document delivery services in meeting the needs of students and faculty at Stetson University (Florida) is described; and problems and alternative document delivery options are considered. (20 references) (KRN)

This comparison of three menu systems for end-users considers user-friendliness, cost, databases offered, hours of availability, and search options. The differences are shown to indicate that they are intended for users with different amounts of knowledge and training. The conclusion reached is that each system is unique. (five references) (EAM)

An analysis of pricing policies and costs of LEXIS and WESTLAW indicates that it is less expensive to subscribe to both using a PC microcomputer rather than a dedicated terminal. Rules for when to use each database are essential to lowering the costs of online legal research. (EM)

Discusses the deregulation of telecommunications in the European Community, the impact of this deregulation on information services, and the possible effects of a truly common market on U.S. and Japanese information industries. A sidebar by Nancy Garman describes major online databases devoted to information about the coming European Single…

Compares two natural language processing search engines, WIN (WESTLAW Is Natural) and FREESTYLE, developed by LEXIS. Legal issues in natural language queries were presented to identical libraries in both systems. Results showed that the editorials enhanced relevance; a search would be more thorough using both databases; and if only one system were…

The advantages and disadvantages of the compact disk version of the DISCLOSURE database are compared to the print version and other online formats. Currentness of information, searching methods, users' perceptions taken from a student survey, price, availability, response time, and browsabiity are considered. Sample menus and screen displays are…

Describes the Electronic Journal Retrieval Project (EJRP) developed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries, to provide full-text journal articles from online systems. Highlights include costs of various search strategies; implications for library services; collection development and interlibrary loan considerations; and suggestions…