Describes ERA (Electronic Redistribution and Archiving), a new service on Dialog, that provides both users and database producers with a legal means of registering multiple, systematic use of copyrighted material. Costs and pricing are explained; inclusion of copyright notices on database records is discussed; and compliance is considered. (LRW)

Reviews some of the models used for pricing online information services and discusses some of the implications of these pricing algorithms. Topics discussed include online versus print pricing; charges for the retrieval process; charges for the retrieved information; telecommunications charges; and the pricing policies of Chemical Abstracts…

Discusses natural language retrieval systems, focusing on West Publishing Company's WIN (Westlaw Is Natural) system used with its case law database. Information retrieval models, the advantages and disadvantages of natural language retrieval, and the use of the approach by Congressional Quarterly's Washington Alert, Personal Librarian, and other…

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)

Describes a survey of 39 database publishers concerning their policies for downloading, i.e., capture of information into machine-readable format from proprietary databases. Discussion covers fair use principle, long-term storage and reuse, policy enforcement, and per record payment principle. Database publishers surveyed profile of survey…

Examines growth in the number and size of exhibitors' booths at Online conferences from 1979 to 1986 to support notion that information has progressed from intrinsic knowledge to a commodity that is produced, marketed, and sold. Discussion covers downloading and specific successes and failures in the information marketplace. (EM)

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)

Examines strategies for marketing online searching to new users, discusses reasons why people become online searchers, and presents data on the business information market. The pricing issue and special librarians as a market segment are also considered. (EM)

Discusses Dialog Information Service's lawsuit against the American Chemical Society (ACS) over online searching capabilities. Antitrust law is discussed, fair competition issues are raised, the user's point of view is considered, possible outcome scenarios are suggested, and a sidebar summarizes claims and counterclaims by Dialog, ACS, and…

Discusses the use of fax transmissions. Highlights include searching by fax, including online service, print and electronic publishing, and database producers; customer service, including documentation updates, new product announcements, and marketing materials; document delivery; problems; and fax messaging. (four references) (LRW)

Describes the current activities of 11 individuals who were prominent in the information industry at the time of Online Magazine's debut. Included are the founders of Congressional Information Service, New York Times Information Bank, Data Courier, Inc., Predicasts, Bibliographic Retrieval Services, Dialog, LEXIS and NEXIS. (EM)

Defines the issue of information liability as it applies to electronic information and suggests ways in which the issue can be addressed and resolved. Discussion of the marketing and legal aspects of the question includes impact of the Dun & Bradstreet Inc. vs. Greenmoss Builders Inc. ruling on libel litigation. (EM)

Detailed profiles and comparisons of European databanks being marketed in the United States include marketing strategies, subject content, number and types of databases offered, cost information, value added services, and more. Users' views of the viability, ease of use, and strengths and weaknesses of European databases are presented. (CLB)

Examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of independent information professionals and describes a number of strategies to avoid being found liable for information malpractice. These include developing good client relations, contracts and disclaimers, competent performance, and insurance. A sidebar by John Rosenberg, discusses the issue of…