Batch mode processing is compared, using cost-effectiveness, with on-line processing for computer-aided searching of chemical abstracts. Consideration for time, need, coverage, and adaptability are found to be the criteria by which a searcher selects a method, and sometimes both methods are used. There is a tradeoff between batch mode's slower…

Reviews two studies that explored people's expectations for success and how it affected searching in information sources. An earlier study, using pencil and paper format, was updated to use a computer-interactive format. A review of the studies in light of confidence assessment provides suggestions for designing computerized database interfaces.…

This paper is the second step in the preparation of forecasts of occupational and industrial information which will meet the needs of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD). The author discusses the computation routines which need to be developed, tested and operationalized toward the goal of combining occupational and industrial…

Brief description of videotex systems is followed by recommendations for the design of database structure, command language, and screen format. How users search through the database is described and evaluations of the underlying tree structure are reviewed. Information sources on other aspects of videotex besides usability are listed. (MBR)

SCORPIO (Subject Content-Oriented Retriever for Processing Information On-line), a set of computer programs developed by the Library of Congress for use by the Library Library's staff, is described. Intended as a users guide for those not trained in data processing, this document presents the system's general characteristics together with a…