Provides a chart showing differences (as of November 1979) in basic indexes for a number of databases that are available on two or more systems, such as DIALOG, ORBIT, and BRS. For each database, fields that are searched when a single unqualified search term is entered are listed. (Author/JD)

A description is given of Magazine Index (MI) which is now available on-line through the Dialog system. Features of MI include wide coverage of 372 general interest periodicals, cover to cover indexing, several access methods, and two name authority files. (JPF)

Broad subject headings which have been assigned to each of the 86 data bases available or announced on the five major on-line search systems--Lockheed, SDC, BRS, NIM, and New York Times Information Bank--are arranged alphabetically followed by the name(s) of the appropriate data base(s). (JPF)

Reviews the factors to be considered in evaluating abstracts. Types of abstracts, content, length, writing style, comprehensive criteria for abstracts, readability, readability testing, compatibility with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards, and informativeness are among the topics covered. (12 references) (KRN)

Describes the use of a microcomputer system to generate a personal database of books read by adding titles, displaying title/author information, and editing title/author information and discusses the system design, i.e., file structure (author index, book index, book, author), the main driver, function subroutines, and screen subroutines. (EJS)

Conference Papers Index gives both bibliographic and ordering information for papers presented at engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences conferences held throughout the world. This database description includes information on access points, sample citations, searchable fields, and data base specifications. (JPF)

Briefly discusses the procedures and reference sources employed in locating domestic doctoral dissertations and lists and describes the sources which can be consulted when foreign dissertations must be located and retrieved. (JL)

This article illustrates similarities between two different types of full-text databases--Superindex, Harvard Business Review/Online--and uses them as arena to demonstrate search and display applications of full-text. The selection of logical operators, full-text search strategies, and keywords and Bibliographic Retrieval Service's Occurrence…

Defines metadata, noting that standard bibliographic information, summaries, indexing terms, and abstracts are all surrogates for original material, hence metadata. Discusses the need for metadata; creating metadata; search engines and how metadata affects searching; abstracts; and future possibilities. (AEF)

Presents a computer software review of the graphical online interface, Ovid client for Windows. Evaluates the following system options: database choices, graphical interface, index browsing, searching, topical limiting, term mapping, displaying, printing, and downloading. Sidebars display product information and feedback from Ovid Technologies in…

Discussion of selection of the InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index database of journal citations to add to the online catalog at a university library considers access to full text on microfilm, coverage, differences between CD-ROM and tape versions, pricing, search capabilities, printing, and downloading. Comparisons are made with the UMI Data…