Purpose: Online information vendors currently offer a variety of additional services; among these are alert services which present requested information on recent publications to registered users. This paper aims to investigate a variety of alert services provided by four online information vendors. Design/methodology/approach: A comparison of the…

To compare computerized services in chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical medicine of pharmaceutical interest, equivalent profiles were run on magnetic tape files of CA-Condensates," CBAC," Excerpta Medica," MEDLARS" and Ringdoc." The results are tabulated for overlap of services, relative speed of citing references, and unique…

SPIN coverage is abnormally low, only 70 journals, versus the coverage of information services in other fields. Every journal listed by SPIN is selectively covered by CAS, resulting in a 76 percent overlap. (3 references) (Author/SJ)

Profiles 25 database distribution and production companies, all of which responded to a 1997 survey with information on 54 separate online, Web-based, or CD-ROM systems. Highlights increased competition, distribution formats, Web versions versus local area networks, full-text delivery, and pricing policies. Tables present a sampling of customers…

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…

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…

An analysis of five commercial service centers and various data bases is presented. A current awareness profile covering both chemical and botanical fields was sent to each service center. The responses were evaluated on the basis of promptness, interaction with the user, and physical format of the listing, among other things. (Author/NH)

The data base coverage of these two services was examined and selected computerized searches performed. The results of this study provided some meaningful conclusions as to the general utility of these services. (3 references) (Author/NH)

The performance of CA Condensates" (CC) and Chemical Titles" (CT) based on analysis of precision and relative recall CT/CC" for 46 search profiles was studied for one year. The results are discussed in terms of the value of the systems as seen from the users' and the documentalist's point of view. (13 references) (Author/NH)

A comparison of the Magazine Index (MI) and the New York Times Information Bank (IB) showed the two data bases have little in common, mainly due to differences in focus, indexing, vocabulary, use online, and output. For business and government users, IB is the best choice; for more general and academic purposes, MI provides access to more…

Discusses strengths of abstracting and indexing services (subject coverage, resolution of language problems, systematic indexing) and summarizes sources, countries of origin, languages, total coverage, and indexing of four scientific and technical services--Biosis, Engineering Information, Inspec, Chemical Abstracts Service. Characteristics of…

The last installment in a three part series compares commands and features for accessing and manipulating the results obtained from the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include enhancements to syntax and defaults, options for output arrangement and retrieval, reformatting of selected data, memory, unique features, and examples.…

Methods for retrieval of information on chemical compounds utilizing several computer data bases are compared to determine scope of data base coverage. Preparation of search questions is outlined and comparative results are reported indicating the yield from each data base. (6 references) (Author/NH)

Benefits associated with private file services offered by online system hosts in the United States and Europe are outlined, noting currently available services, private file design, file input, costs and charges, service comparisons, security, and videotex services. Three references are included. (EJS)

Compares two online information services on basis of target audience, communication services, news and publications, business and financial features, education-related features, online publication and information, personal service features, travel offerings, remote computing services, other facilities, navigating through utility, online storage…