Last article in a series reviews online databases in fields of astronomy, earth sciences (geology, oceanography, other geosciences), and materials science (interdisciplinary subject encompassing ceramics, polymers, metals, glasses, etc.), noting coverage and search strategies. A table of 28 databases citing major subjects, producers, and starting…

Discusses the various forms of computer viruses and the threat they pose to online databases. Available protection programs are described, and a list of online sources of protection programs and news is provided. (14 references) (CLB)

Presents overview prepared by producer of database newly available in 1985 that covers six broad subject areas: genetic engineering and bioprocessing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology and instrumentation, agriculture, energy and environment, and food and beverages. Background, indexing, record format, use of BioBusiness, and 1986 enhancements…

This examination of online subject searching of personal names in four databases--PAIS, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and Social SciSearch--covers documentation and searching for personal names as descriptors, free-text and controlled vocabulary searching, recall and precision, identifier field, and online versus manual retrieval. Search…

Describes the information available about special interest groups (SIGs) on the CompuServe system and offers suggestions for searching this online utility. Search strategies and system commands are described for getting a list of every SIG in the system, accessing message boards, teleconferencing, searching data libraries, and locating specific…

This second of a three-part series compares search features (i.e., truncation symbols, boolean operators, proximity operators, phrase searching, save searches) of two databases providing legal information. Search tips concerning charges and effective searching and tables listing functions of commands and proximity operators for both databases are…

Presents overview prepared by producer of database newly available in 1985 that covers 10 subject categories: engineering, geosciences, chemistry and materials, space sciences, aeronautics, astronautics, mathematical and computer sciences, physics, social sciences, and life sciences. Database development, unique features, document delivery, sample…

Description of bibliographic databank produced by the H. W. Wilson Company covers databases (bibliographical, directory, forthcoming); the WILSONLINE search system (search statement formulation, identifying search terms, other search features); print options; search management features; performance, documentation, and assistance; costs; and…

Discusses new pricing models for some online services and considers the possibilities for the traditional online database market. Topics include multimedia music databases, including copyright implications; other retail-oriented databases; and paying for free databases with advertising. (LRW)

Identifies and describes online databases containing references to materials on artificial intelligence, robotics, and expert systems, and compares them in terms of scope and usage. Recommendations for conducting online searches on artificial intelligence and related fields are offered. (CLB)

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)

Presents a description of Act I, the newest database from Data Courier, Inc., which provides an online directory of computer related companies and products. Highlights include content, applications, most useful features, classification code/classification name, and output. A sample record, journals list, and database specifications are included.…

Focuses on indexing refinements in major life science databases--those specializing in biological/biomedical literature coverage--which influence cross-life searching decisions. Tables included highlight database descriptions, comparisons in coverage, ease of access (indexing of secondary concepts or search modifiers), chemical substance indexing…

Discusses the importance of British databases and information services to U.S. business searchers and describes several British databases and services. Topics covered include database contents, available search strategies, access from the United States, language differences, and dating problems. A directory of contacts is provided. (six…

Provides an overview of databases that include the best information about Latin America. Highlights include problems with using "Latin America" as a search concept; Latin American information on DIALOG; the dominance of TEXTLINE among the major newswires; comparisons between DIALOG and other online services; specialized Latin American…