The objective of this work is to examine the efficacy of natural language processing (NLP) in summarizing bibliographic text for multiple purposes. Researchers have noted the accelerating growth of bibliographic databases. Information seekers using traditional information retrieval techniques when searching large bibliographic databases are often…

This study of ranking algorithms used in a Boolean environment is based on an evaluation of factors affecting document ranking by information retrieval systems. The algorithms were decomposed into term weighting schemes and similarity measures, representatively selected from those known to exist in information retrieval environments, before being…

Suggests standards designed to guide potential database users through a systematic evaluation process to choose database appropriate for particular application. Comparison standards are provided for database content (scope, completeness, source coverage, selection/evaluation, redundancy, references); database systems (documentation, accessibility,…

This study evaluates two databases, "Historical Abstracts" and REESWeb, to determine their effectiveness in supporting academic social science research. While many performance evaluations gather quantitative data from isolated query and response transactions, this study is a qualitative evaluation of the databases in the context of…

The efficacy of using the BIOSIS Previews database as an online information retrieval tool in clinical psychology was investigated in a study conducted at the University of West Florida. Recognizing the importance of multi-database searching strategies when seeking comprehensive results, this study compared the citation output of this…

This is the fourth volume of a four-volume report of Project EDNEED II (Empirical Determination of Nationally Essential Educational Data), conducted from July 1975 to September 1976 to document the extent to which data currently collected by State vocational education agencies could be used to answer vocational education informational needs of…

The objective relevance of a document to a request is crucial to the design and testing of bibliographic retrieval systems, while subjective relevance is paramount in the use of such systems. The distinction provides a rationale for a trial-and-error mode of interaction with information systems. (Author/EM)

Results of survey indicate that: academic faculty are unaware of range of databases available; few recognize need for databases in research; most delegate searching to librarian or assistant, rather than perform searching themselves; and 39 database guides identified tended to be descriptive rather than evaluative. A comparison of the guides is…

A computer program designed to assist a psychology department in recordkeeping and providing information to the American Psychological Association is presented. Descriptive information about the computer program is also included. The program employs the Statistical Analysis System to access a database of demographic data for students entering the…

Project EDNEED II (Empirical Determination of Nationally Essential Educational Data), conducted from July 1975 to September 1976, was designed to document the extent to which data currently collected by State vocational education agencies could be used to answer prioritized Project EDNEED I questions. (Project EDNEED I identified and prioritized…

Describes a case study which explored the extent to which CD-ROM products can support the information needs in developing countries; assessed the economics of a system of CD-ROM databases supplemented by an online system; and investigated the breakeven analysis of the costs of searching CD-ROM versus online. (Contains 34 references.) (LRW)

This overview of the ERIC system begins with a brief history of the system; a description of the types and numbers of materials contained in the database; sources of types of information for educators that are not processed by ERIC; and the various publications and reference materials produced by and for the system. The analysis of ERIC usage in…

A research project underway at the University of Arizona is described, and the usefulness of the national data system of the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) to institutional researchers, as well as some drawbacks of the system, are considered. The need for institutions to have data on enrollment, budgets, and faculty/students…

Discusses the need for information on ethnic groups in academic library reference departments; describes the use of automated indexes, CD-ROM, and online databases; and gives examples of indexing and usage of terms related to Southeast Asians in four CD-ROM databases: InfoTrac EF (Extended Family), ERIC, PsycLIT, and Business Periodicals Index.…

An international numerical coding structure is presented for classification of data on education according to level category, educational field, and program type. Explanation of the overall system and a guide for its use is followed by a listing of levels, fields, and programs of education in coded order. The various educational program…