Examines how online versions of databases vary on different systems. Differences are grouped into three categories: obvious differences, including easily available information such as updating, dates covered, and price; database choice, including subfile structure, field structure, and content; and system choice, including support and system…

Describes characteristics of hypertext, how it is currently being used, and discusses possible uses of hypertext in conjunction with online databases. An online medical textbook developed by BRS and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center is described, links between databases are discussed, and future systems are suggested. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses natural language retrieval systems, focusing on West Publishing Company's WIN (Westlaw Is Natural) system used with its case law database. Information retrieval models, the advantages and disadvantages of natural language retrieval, and the use of the approach by Congressional Quarterly's Washington Alert, Personal Librarian, and other…

The need to search several files to obtain the maximum information on energy is emphasized. Energyline, APILIT, APIPAT, PIE News, TULSA, NTIS, and Chemical Abstracts Condensates files are described. (KP)

This article discusses some concepts of business information and surveys some online business data bases, notably the Predicasts data bases. Business applications of other categories of data bases are also discussed. (Author/KP)

This paper discusses patent information retrieval from online files in terms of types of questions, file contents, coverage, timeliness, and other file variations. CLAIMS, Derwent, WPI, APIPAT and Chemical Abstracts Service are described. (KP)

This working paper from the American National Standards Committee Z-39, Subcommittee G on Standard Terms, Abbreviations and Symbols for Use in Interactive Information Retrieval discusses the issue of standardization for command languages used in interactive online searching of bibliographic databases. (EJS)

Five points which should be considered when making decisions about whether to purchase magnetic tapes for in-hours searching by batch processing, purchase terminals and contract with on-line vendors, or contract with information brokers for retrospective searching or SDI are availability of information in the most useful form, hardware and…

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)

Describes database produced by Thomson and Thomson and available on Dialog which contains over 700,000 records representing all active federal trademark registrations and applications for registrations filed in United States Patent and Trademark Office. A typical record, special features, database applications, learning to use TRADEMARKSCAN, and…

Holds that database producers and online system vendors have failed to maintain sufficient quality control over their products, and that online searchers should voice their complaints about file documentation errors, indexing inconsistencies, and incorrect data entries. (FM)

Reviews databases providing information on published, standardized and unpublished, non-standardized test instruments: Educational Testing Service File, Mental Measurements Yearbook Database, Dissertation Abstracts Online, ERIC, and Psychological Abstracts. Search strategies, search examples, and a summary chart of searchable fields for test…

The method of handling the printed documentation associated with online information retrieval, which is described, involves the use of a series of separate but related files: database files, system files, network files, index sheets, and equipment files. (FM)

Profiles of online services provided by VU/TEXT, which maintains market access to electronic newspaper databases, highlights scope (newspapers, business information, wire services and nonnewspaper regional information, encyclopedia); search techniques; strengths; and upcoming enhancements. Descriptions of 17 databases and sample searches are…