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…

Surveys major databases offering access to historical and biographical information in the sciences and highlights special features of each--Histline, America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Agricola, Biosis Previews, CA Condensates, Compendex, Excerpta Medica, Inspec, and Medline. Two references are listed. (EJS)

Describes the origin and development of the NICEM (National Information Center for Educational Media) database and provides current information on bibliographic elements in the database entries, searchable indexes, searching, and search aids. Sample citations from NICEM subfiles are included. (JD)

Discusses three approaches to thesaurus and indexing/retrieval language maintenance for combined databases: reindexing, merging, and initial standardization. Two thesauri for a combined database are evaluated in terms of their compatibility, and indexing practices are compared. Tables and figures help illustrate aspects of the comparison. (SW)

Recommends those cases in which a database search of CIJE would benefit from a supplementary manual search of Education Index. Article also presents findings of a study of the usefulness of CIJE abstracts (1969-1978) which suggest that the user choose different online printing formats for different years. (JD)

Introduces the DOE/RECON online database system and the two energy files it serves: DOE Energy Data Base (EDB) and General and Practical Data Base (GAP). Topics discussed include how the system works, its similarities to DIALOG, and its present and future; database elements and subject categories are described. (JD)

Explains the codes used in the Congressional Information Service's (CIS) database, presents entry formats for proposed legislation, and provides tips for searching dates and bill numbers. Included are a committee code master list, document type codes, legislative calendar codes (1970-80), and a list of contents-characteristics terms. (JD)

Briefly describes the three abstract journals that comprise the INSPEC data base, identifies multiple access points to the records in it, and provides searching strategies using illustrations. Also included are a tabulated searchguide to INSPEC on BRS and data base specifications. (JD)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using dBASE for the storage and retrieval of downloaded bibliographic records, and the problems involved in importing data downloaded from various online systems into dBASE. ASCIIREF, a software program developed to allow users to easily reformat just about any file of ASCII bibliographic records into…

Sidebar describes the use of the Biblio-Link software packages to download citations from online databases and convert them into a form that can be automatically uploaded into a Pro-Cite database. An example of this procedure using DIALOG2 is given. (CLB)

Examines the similarities, differences, and full-text features of the three most-used online systems for full-text searching in general libraries: DIALOG, Data-Star, and NEXIS. Overlapping databases, unique sources, search features, proximity operators, set building, language enhancement and word equivalencies, and display features are discussed.…

Reviews recent trends in databases and online systems. Topics discussed include new access points for established databases; acquisitions, consolidations, and competition between vendors; European coverage; international services; online reference materials, including telephone directories; political and legal materials and public records;…

Describes the transformation of the Lotus Development Corporation's corporate library from a paper-based information service to a virtual library using Lotus Notes as the underlying development platform. Lotus Notes' tracking, broadcast, reference, and discussion applications are presented; and applications being developed by other corporations…

Describes the different approaches taken by the Chemical Abstracts Services database, which abstracts and indexes chemical publications, and the Belstein Handbook of Organic Chemistry database, which produces a collection of critical reviews. The resulting content of the databases and their ability to meet the needs of different users are…

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)