Discusses paragraph qualification, a search strategy used to retrieve information from computerized databases. Positive and negative paragraph qualification, after-the-fact qualification, multifile searching, and free text searching are described, using examples from the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Search System. (EJS)

This book is designed primarily to help users find meaningful words for natural language, or free-text, computer searching of bibliographic and textual databases in the social and behavioral sciences. Additionally, it covers many socially relevant and technical topics not covered by the usual literary thesaurus, therefore it may also be useful for…

This fact sheet offers basic instructions on connecting to the ERIC database for individuals who own or have access to a microcomputer and are familiar with ERIC and how to search it through a database terminal. Software, hardware, and telephone line components necesary to make a microcomputer act as a database terminal are outlined. The…

Intended to teach the principles of interactive bibliographic searching to those with little or no prior experience, this textbook explains the basic elements of online information retrieval and compares the major database search systems. Its chapters address (1) relevant definitions and vocabulary; (2) the conceptual facets of database searching,…

This document presents a step-by-step procedure for setting up a document library of personal word processing, database, and spreadsheet files using the Apple IIe computer and the AppleWorks subprogram database. This library, which can serve both as a running record of files created and as a means for easy retrieval, uses 10 fields or categories…

This brief review of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system is intended to make users more aware of (1) the system as a whole, (2) the process of indexing educational literature for the database, and (3) the role of the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors in the overall information dissemination process. An overview of the ERIC…

This descriptive guide provides introductory information geared to aid both the user and the information manager in the use of 3RIP, an online text database system consisting of three components: (1) a retrieval system used to locate and display records, (2) a file handler used to read records from files and to write records onto files, and (3) a…

Surveys major databases offering access to historical and biographical information in the sciences and highlights special features of each--Histline, America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Agricola, Biosis Previews, CA Condensates, Compendex, Excerpta Medica, Inspec, and Medline. Two references are listed. (EJS)

This overview of the research process for the novice information retrieval (IR) researcher provides guidance on selecting a research question, choosing the type of test, defining variables, developing or using databases, finding and processing queries, assigning treatments to experimental units, collecting and analyzing the data, and presenting…

Rules and guidelines are provided for the preparation of abstracts and annotations for documents and journal articles entering the ERIC database. Various types of abstracts are defined, including the Informative, Indicative, and mixed Informative-Indicative. Advice is given on how to select the abstract type appropriate for the particular…

Focusing on how to use a microcomputer as a terminal for searching online databases, this digest addresses the following topics: (1) hardware and software requirements; (2) configuring the software; and (3) basic requirements for specific microcomputers. Special features in communications software which allow microcomputer users to do database…

Rules and guidelines are provided for the preparation of abstracts and annotations for documents and journal articles entering the ERIC database. Various types of abstracts are defined, including the Informative, Indicative, and mixed Informative-Indicative. Advice is given on how to select the abstract type appropriate for the particular…

Suggestions for the preparation and use of database guide sheets (idiot sheets) highlights when to make an idiot sheet; steps in preparation (define suitable format, gather pertinent information); production; adding notations to vendor-supplied guide sheets; and points to remember. Examples of DIALOG and homemade guide sheets are included. (EJS)

Discusses several online databases available through DIALOG Information Retrieval Service which are useful for identifying corporate wealth, philanthropic awards, and government grants (Foundation Directory, Foundation Grants Index, Grants Database, and National Foundations). Scope and access points are noted, and search examples are appended.…

Explains search commands for SERIDU, an online bibliographic search system developed at Brussels Free University. These commands and output formats are compared with Euronet commands (from which they were derived), with existing INFODOC storage system commands, and with the planned BIDULE system commands. An evaluation of SERIDU is included. (SW)