Describes the building block, successive fractions, citation pearl growing, and interactive scanning approaches to search strategy formulation and discusses practical techniques for online bibliographic searches such as being flexible, searching the most specific aspect first, using thesauri, conceptualizing, using full text operators, and…

Describes the design and development of the Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES), a microcomputer based system for in-house data files. The REFLES prototype is described in its test form, followed by presentation of the working environment, problems, and evaluation of the current version. Future possibilities of REFLES are also…

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…

Examines use of online access to bibliographic files in library reference service, focusing on two systems: OCLC and Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). The development and current status of each system, differences between systems, search examples, user expectations, and advantages of online access are noted. Twenty references are…

Focuses on the methods used by three academic libraries in addressing the question of whether or not to charge users for online searches. (FM)

Describes an online microcomputer-based system called Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES) which stores factual information. Examples of data in the system and uses of the service are presented, as well as considerations for the future. Twelve (12) references are included. (Author/BK)

Retrieval terminals have been placed in four public libraries in Northern California to provide access to sixteen different data bases. The first year of this two-year experiment is described, and some of the technical, organizational, and economic aspects of the study are reviewed. (Author)

Rectangular Venn diagramming for planning searches and for use as worksheets that can be revised during on-line searching is described. (Author)

Discusses problems of increasing numbers of databases (standardization, vendor contracts, training, restricted access, duplicate citations), noting implications for change in librarian's role as supplier of decision making data (education, users groups, search aids, information brokers, collection evaluation, reference and source databases,…

Reports on a survey of 47 academic library online facilities. Data gathered on finances, number of searches conducted, patrons served, sytems accessed, equipment used, procedures, promotion, and other facets are summarized. (FM)

A reference guide for online bibliographic searchers introduces and explains the major computer-searchable fields of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database, presents field access labels or commands of three online ERIC database vendors--BRS, DIALOG, and ORBIT--and lists the codes necessary for searching particular ERIC…

Computerized literature searching allows the educator to become familiar with resources that help develop individual teaching styles and methods, enhance awareness of pupil needs, explain educational research and evaluation, and describe curriculum materials. This document introduces the fundamentals of computerized literature searching. The…

An example of an on-line printout from the Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service (DJNR) is given accompanied by a brief discussion of how to use the service, description of how one library uses it, and some of its constraints. (JPF)

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)

Issues having a possible impact on online search services in libraries are discussed including full text databases, front-end processors which translate user's input into the command language of an appropriate system, downloading to create personal files from commercial databases, and pricing. (EJS)