With fancy new software developments and growth in both the richness of content and delivery options for information resources, the Database Marketplace 2010 is a feast for buyers. Unfortunately, institutional budget cuts may force more of a famine mentality--with belt-tightening for most, and only purchases that are life-sustaining being served…

Reviews the database industry over the past year, including new companies and services, company closures, popular database formats, popular access methods, and changes in existing products and services. Lists 33 firms and their database services; 33 firms and their database products; and 61 company profiles. (LRW)

Presents guidelines for effective online searching developed over the last 20 years. Areas covered by the guidelines include preplanning, database selection, cost-effective search techniques, searching for names, awareness of differences between databases and systems, matching search strategies to databases, postsearch routines, and the…

Social networking and other Web 2.0 technologies led the social whirl of the information industry. Publishers and librarians tried to keep their products and services relevant by mixing authoritative content with user involvement, but that was not enough. Enhancing interfaces, adding new forms of content, and making strategic acquisitions--all are…

Categorizes software packages for microcomputer database creation by their typical features and strengths, and discusses appropriate applications of each category. A directory of vendors for each type of software--text retrieval, file managers, database management, information storage and retrieval, integrated bibliographic systems, and library…

Only the most dedicated super-searchers are motivated to learn and control command systems, like DialogClassic, that rely on the user to input complex search strategies. Infrequent searchers and most end users choose interfaces that do some of the work for them and make the search process appear easy. However, the easier a good interface seems to…

This report, the second annual Database Marketplace survey, analyzes information gathered from 29 companies that distribute and produce information available through online, Web, or CD-ROM systems. In addition to data, topics include company mergers, takeovers, sales, accomplishments, and future plans. (Author/LRW)

Reviews recent publications in online database literature including three newsletters ("Database Update,""Database Alert," and "Information Hotline"), a directory ("Guide to Online Databases"), and a textbook ("Online Reference and Information Retrieval" by Roger C. Palmer). The new "Guide to Searching ONTAP ABI/INFORM" is noted. (EJS)

Focuses on the growth of the United Kingdom company Ingenta in the United States. Highlights include a new partnership with Gale Group related to their InfoTrac databases; indexing and full text coverage; standards; and other Ingenta acquisitions. (LRW)

Describes two new bibliographic information services being marketed to microcomputer owners by DIALOG, Inc. and Bibliographic Retrieval Services to allow access to databases at low rates during evening hours. Subject focus, selection of a database, search strategies employed on each system are discussed, and the two services are compared. (EJS)

Describes Web versions of online systems and considers advantages and trade-offs for information professionals and other searchers. Web versions highlighted include Dow Jones Interactive; Dialog; LEXIS-NEXIS; and STN. (LRW)

Profiles 25 database distribution and production companies, all of which responded to a 1997 survey with information on 54 separate online, Web-based, or CD-ROM systems. Highlights increased competition, distribution formats, Web versions versus local area networks, full-text delivery, and pricing policies. Tables present a sampling of customers…

Describes EasyNet, a gateway system to multiple online vendors. It allows occasional access without learning each system's commands or contracting with each vendor, with either the searcher selecting the database or letting the system select one. Costs are described and various special option plans for specific types of libraries are explained.…

Discussion of issues surrounding the microcomputer's capability to download online search results covers types of downloading; scope of downloading; legal issues (copyright and database contract provisions and policies); and effects of downloading (widespread pricing changes, and provision of database subsets by database producers). (MBR)

With wireless connectivity and small laptop computers, people are no longer tied to the desktop for online searching. Handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs) offer even greater portability. So far, the most common uses of PDAs are as calendars and address books, or to interface with a laptop or desktop machine. More advanced PDAs, like…