PubMed® is an on-line literature database hosted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Containing over 21 million citations for biomedical literature--both abstracts and full text--in the areas of the life sciences, behavioral studies, chemistry, and bioengineering, PubMed® represents an important tool for researchers. PubMed® searches return…

The Mechanized Information Center, a department of The Ohio State University Libraries, offers to the campus community several batch-mode information services from commercially available data bases. The search request interview provides an opportunity for instruction regarding OSU's computer-based literature searches, automated library facilities,…

Discusses methods for designing search strategies for maximum recall, including minimizing the number of concepts intersected, isolating key subtopics, adapting the strategy to the database, and minimizing problems with search words and codes. (Author/RAA)

The evaluation and selection of information/data management system software for the Egyptian National Scientific and Technical (STI) Network are described. An overview of the state-of-the-art of database technology elaborates on the differences between information retrieval and database management systems (DBMS). The desirable characteristics of…

Discussion of online searching focuses on the first three of seven stages of searching: (1) the reference interview, including user needs, the search request, and the user's expectations; (2) the tactical overview, including institutional control and cost and time factors; and (3) database selection considerations, including relevance,…

Using the ERIC/ONTAP file, student searchers may improve their online skills by employing an 8-step search strategy technique. ERIC/ONTAP, now available through LRS/DIALOG, uses a subset of the ERIC file with built-in answer sets and a special evaluation command. The training procedure guides the student from the initial search interview to the…

Using data bases of the DIALOG system new teaching techniques and materials are presented to an audience of library educators. Included are search demonstrations, teaching approaches, sample exercises and instructional prolects, multidatabase searching methods, utilization of search aids and offline resources, the conduct of presearch interviews,…

Developed to orient the information seeker to the computerized literature search process, this guide provides background information that will help the user facilitate the search interview and the formation of a search topic, enabling him or her to focus on personal search needs and not on the fundamentals of online searching. Major purposes for…

Two information dissemination centers at University of California at Los Angeles and University of Georgia studied the interactions between computer based search facilities and their users. The study, largely descriptive in nature, investigated the interaction processes between data base users and profile analysis or information specialists in…

Findings of focused-group interviews conducted for OCLC study of library users and online public access catalogs (OPACs) indicate users like OPACs, have problems finding right subject heading, envision features to improve subject access, want access to more than books, and want OPACs to provide new services. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

In order to understand how the database software or online database functioned in the overall curricula, the use of database management (DBMs) systems was studied at eight elementary and middle schools through classroom observation and interviews with teachers and administrators, librarians, and students. Three overall areas were addressed:…

Presents interview with Roger Summit, the president of Dialog Information Services, Inc. Highlights include Summit's role as chief architect of the system, the inception of Dialog and its beginnings at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, services provided by Dialog, a challenge for libraries, and future developments and services. (EJS)

The variety of searchable and printable formats of Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) data base records has led to different searching methods, which have fostered the confusing state of affairs wherein different results are possible for the same search; this 5-part report describes an investigation of ERIC online use that studied the…

Describes a study at the California State University at Chico library that was conducted to determine the success of the ERIC database on CD-ROM as a retrieval tool. The results of user interviews are summarized, surveys of reference librarians are reviewed, and cost considerations are examined. (three references) (LRW)

The uses being made of the OCLC system in the area of public or reader's services was investigated in this study. Topics dealt with include the training of librarians and patrons in on-line searching, specific benefits of the data base to the public, disadvantages of the present OCLC system in public services, costs, and the motivation behind…