A survey of online searchers' perceptions of seven database vendors over 13 service-related characteristics resulted in DIALOG being ranked first for all attributes. A statistically significant relationship between overall preference and frequency of use was demonstrated, with reliability, variety, and flexibility the most highly ranked…

Provides an overview of videotex and teletext systems under development or being marketed in the United States and Europe. Current trends indicate a diminishing participation by librarians and information scientists in information display technology. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

This document is the newest revision of the third manual documenting the National Agricultural Library database. Since it began in 1970, the AGRICOLA database has continued to grow and to change steadily; new subfiles have been added, database record formats have been expanded, and subject category code schemes have been modified several times.…

This paper reports an industrial information specialist's experience in performing online searches for engineers and surveys the databases used. Engineers seeking assistance fall into three categories: (1) those who recognize the value of online retrieval; (2) referrals by colleagues; and (3) those who do not seek help. As more successful searches…

Discusses the relevance of communication, meaning, and identity in putting information work into a cultural context. The process of information seeking is discussed, the mediation of communication formats and devices in determining meaning is described, and implications for information specialists are suggested. (11 references) (LRW)

Testimony on the copyrightability of computer software was heard at the 10th Commission meeting held at the New York Public Library in November 1976. This transcript of the meeting also includes reports of the Commission subcommittees on photocopying, software, networks, and data bases. (Author/AP)

Outlines use of multiple database searching in the behavioral sciences, focusing on the first two steps of the search strategy process--analyzing the information problem and selecting databases. User needs (comprehensiveness, currentness and type of relevant material) and searcher resources (efficiency) are analyzed. A table outlining resources…

This study tracks the increasing use of the term "information broker" in the professional library literature, and looks at the extent to which the professional literature reflects the increasing trend of information commodification. The content of three online databases was analyzed: LIBRARY LITERATURE, LISA, and ABI/INFORM. Four terms…

This article analyzes the front end software marketplace and discusses some of the complex forces influencing it. Discussion covers intermediary market; end users (library customers, scientific and technical professionals, corporate business specialists, consumers); marketing strategies; a British front end development firm; competitive pressures;…

A better understanding of the skills and knowledge needed by the grants coordinator in seeking prospective funding agencies can contribute to both more efficient use of that function and better use of new computer technology for pre-award management. (MSE)

Authors share their experiences in training Oklahoma Teletype Interlibrary System/ Oklahoma Information Line (OTIS/OIL) personnel in the techniques of "profiling" searches during a one day workshop. Components of the workshop described are straight lecturing, interactive lecturing, role playing, and problem solving. (JPF)

This overview of potential for utilizing database management systems (DBMS) within numeric database environments highlights: (1) major features, functions, and characteristics of DBMS; (2) applicability to numeric database environment needs and user needs; (3) current applications of DBMS technology; and (4) research-oriented and…

Controlled experiments conducted to compare effectiveness of enhanced experimental computer intermediary system, CONIT, with that of human expert intermediary search specialists indicate that experimental intermediary techniques are now capable of providing search assistance whose effectiveness at least approximates that of human intermediaries in…

Considers how the role of information specialists is changing and evolving due to the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Topics include the impact of new technology, knowledge of information systems and databases, the emergence of new vendors, examples of unique Web sites, and economic factors. (LRW)

Examines why many information professionals are still resisting the Internet as a legitimate resources and how the Internet will affect the future of search engines. Highlights include: user perspectives on Internet searches; search engine preferences; vendor perspectives on Web-based databases; electronic journals; the Internet versus…