Provides a directory of online databases available as of October 1979. Scope, vendor, update frequency, and user charges are included. (RAA)

Describes the utility and applications of information retrieval thesauri and the development of the thesaurus for the DISCLOSURE data base. (PF)

Reports on the experimental use of MEDLINE at Oakland University in January-April 1974. (PF)

A cost analysis of 411 on-line bibliographic search requests was conducted. The average cost was $28.41 exclusive of telephone line charges. (Author)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Today there are over 900 on-line data banks available for public access. Most microcomputers can use them through the aid of a modem and communication program. Major public information utilities that offer access to these on-line data bases are growing and expanding. The Source, a data base utility…

A well-designed online database system allows users to ask a computer to find only information that is relevant to their needs. A variety of databases exist, each specializing in a particular topic or type of information. Fulltext systems provide complete copies of such documents as news articles, research reports, and software evaluations.…

Describes the experience of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries with computerized searches. (PF)

Of 25 databases available on both DIALOG and European Space Agency's Information Retrieval Service (ESA/IRS), five are less expensive on DIALOG by three price factors (online connect charges, online displays of citations, offline prints); five are less expensive on ESA/IRS; remaining 15 represent mixed bag (connect charges offset citation…

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Outlines major online agricultural information services--agricultural databases, databases with agricultural services, educational databases in agriculture--noting services provided, access to the database, and costs. Benefits of online agricultural database sources (availability of agricultural marketing, weather, commodity prices, management…

Views increasing costs in the form of royalties as an obstacle to the development of online services in academic libraries. Increased volume, creative pricing, and alternate charging algorithms are suggested for containing costs. Comments of vendors and database producers are included. (RAA)

Three firms which offer online information retrieval are compared. The firms are Lockheed Information Service, System Development Corporation and the Western Research Application Center. Comparison tables provide information such as hours accessible, coverage, file update, search elements and cost figures for 15 data bases. In addition, general…

Reports the findings of a study which examined the question of submitting error reports to OCLC for the purpose of database quality control, and describes ENHANCE, a program that would provide online error correction capability for member libraries. Eight references are cited. (FM)

Reports the results of a study which examined costs and search results for 20 searchers conducted on both BRS After Dark and Knowledge Index. Various features of the two retrieval systems are reviewed, and advantages and disadvantages of each system are summarized. Data are presented in one table and several graphs. (24 references) (MES)

Describes the value and use of In-Search, an access software program designed to make online searches simpler--and less costly--for Dialog users by helping them to decide on a search strategy before signing online. (MBR)