Argues that the selection of a database is a significant factor in the success and cost effectiveness of an online search, and provides guidelines for determining whether the content of a database is relevant for a particular search and whether the database is accessible, affordable, and suitable for the search. (LAE)

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;…

Discusses the recent increase in information access to Russia and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Russia, the area's only English language database, Internet resources, discussion groups, bulletin boards, electronic mail, and other information resources are described; and information on how to connect to network resources…

Review of developments in databases highlights a new emphasis on accessibility. Topics discussed include the internationalization of databases; databases that deal with finance, drugs, and toxic waste; access to public records, both personal and corporate; media online; reducing large files of data to smaller, more manageable files; and…

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…

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…

Discusses online systems and databases that contain information on Japanese business and economic activity. A reference chart provides the name, address, coverage dates, and costs of major online sources. (CLB)

Describes the general characteristics of Washington Electronic Bulletin Board Systems (WEBBS) used within federal agencies to disseminate data and software. Examples of six varieties of WEBBS (electronic mail, public announcement, electronic publishing, data oriented, library oriented, and subscription/membership) are discussed, as well as…

Describes Internet, a collection of telecommunications networks that links government agencies, educational institutions, and other research organizations so that users can share access to databases and files. Topics discussed include problems in identifying what is available; access concerns; ethical behavior; support and training issues for…

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…

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…

Discusses how to look for jobs via the Internet and online databases. Highlights include Internet sources for job information, including lists, gopher servers, online "Chronicle of Higher Education," College-Wide Information Systems (CWIS), and "America's Job Bank"; options without Internet access; where to list a resume; and…

Discusses the networking of image-based libraries of scientific and technical documents and the role of information professionals in the future of libraries and information access. Topics include commercial databanks, projects involving cooperation between technical publishers and universities, and the Internet and World Wide Web. (LRW)