Describes a study that analyzed the readability of documentation designed for physicians searching the Physician's Data Query cancer database, using the readability formulas in AT&T's Writer's Workbench software package. The results of the analysis are discussed and suggestions for future research are made. (20 references) (CLB)

Reviews current systems designed to help end-users search online databases without the assistance of an intermediary and describes a prototype system which emulates the Deco (the text storage and retrieval system used by Unilever) interface on Dialog and Data-Star. Initial trials of the prototype system are reported. (15 references) (MES)

Provides a checklist of functions and capabilities of online searching systems that attempts to cover all system features, not just searching functions. The checklist is suggested as a tool for checking features of new systems, as a framework for comparing systems, and as a source of suggestions for developing new online systems. (10 references)…

This paper reviews the history of separate online system interfaces which led to efforts to develop expert systems for searching databases, particularly for end users, and introduces the research on such expert systems. Appended is a bibliography of sources on interfaces and expert systems for online retrieval. (Author/EJS)

The Drug-Interface, prototype system built to facilitate retrieval of drug related information, automatically connects to DIALOG Information Retrieval Service via available networks, aids user in formulating and/or revising search strategy, sends query to DIALOG, displays results of search, and downloads relevant pieces into Macintosh data file.…

Discusses the extent to which online use of databases is affected by a foreign language barrier. Topics discussed include the effects in western Europe on establishing a uniform information market; database distribution by language; retrieval software; contracts, documentation, and training; and databases that try to overcome the language barrier.…

Describes a specialist bibliographic database of literature in the field of artificial intelligence created by the Turing Institute (Glasgow, Scotland) using the BRS/Search information retrieval software. The subscription method for end-users--i.e., annual fee entitles user to unlimited access to database, document provision, and printed awareness…

Considers factors central to the design, specification, and implementation of a private bibliographic database for the documentation of internally generated techno-commercial reports at PA Technology, a scientific and technical consulting company. A survey of subject access and indexing needs, hardware and software design, and possible future…