In the first of three articles, the producer of Energyline, Energynet, and Tele/Scope recalls the development of the databases and database business strategies. The second describes the development of biomedical online databases, and the third discusses future developments, including full text databases, database producers as online host, and…

This introduction to Database's annual review issue highlights trends covered in the 1991-93 reviews; lists 13 trends described as a continuation of the trends of the past 2 or 3 years; and discusses the World Wide Web and America Online's innovative development of a database that combines text, images, sound, and commentary. (KRN)

The first article discusses the general trends that led to the existence of online databases, including the development of books and libraries, mathematics and computation, computers, information systems, and databases. The second presents a timeline of major accomplishments in the online database industry from 1945 to the present. (CLB)

Predicts that online searching in the 1990s will be characterized by end users discovering faster and easier ways to access information. Predicted trends that are discussed include databases designed for end users, pricing innovations, increased use of CD-ROM products, improved computer graphics, and the expansion of database products into the…

Describes InfoTrac, a self-contained periodical reference system designed for in-library use by library patrons; the core database provides coverage of 900 general interest, business, management, and economic periodicals. Confusion in library markets resulting from introduction of new computer technology is discussed, and hardware/software…

Describes push technology as a new type of selective dissemination via the Internet and discusses filtering, channels of information, Web browser interfaces, data transfer, the role of databases, and database technology. A list of companies that provide push technology is included. (LRW)

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)

Reviews developments of online systems in 1986, including available services and databases in several areas, and advances in information storage techniques. The impact of online services on the present and future responsibilities of professional searchers is discussed. (CLB)

Updates an October 1987 article on full-text databases. Comparisons of numbers of titles online, types of full-text files, currency, multipart articles, selection criteria, completeness, and editorial policies demonstrates much improvement but shows many companies still do not include every article. A chart lists 13 full-text features of 10…

Discusses the usability and content of the following table of contents (TOC) databases selected by science and engineering librarians at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Current Contents on Diskette (CCoD), CARL Uncover2, Inside Information, and Contents1st. (AEF)

Considers electronic online access to newspapers, magazines, and newsletters. Legal factors discussed include license agreements and copyright; financial factors include royalties, pricing, and publisher priorities; and technological factors include keyed versus electronic copy, electronic delivery, graphics, telecommunications, and image-based…

Critiques the InfoTrac system and its use in academic libraries in terms of journals covered by the index; indexing accuracy; ease of use and need for instruction; and effects on the research skills of students relying on the system. (CLB)