Describes a study of four major Web search engines that tested for staleness, a condition when a significant number of the hits it returns point to Web pages or server-level domains (SLD) that are no longer viable. Results of tests of URLs with AltaVista, HotBot, InfoSeek, and Open Text are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses online database searching and electronic information sources in Australia. Highlights include CD-ROM technology, the Internet, searching software, and content. A sidebar provides a list of 28 Australian and New Zealand electronic information sources. (AEF)

Describes specialty or vertical Web search engines that may provide more relevant results for information retrieval. Highlights include regional services, including filtering by domain and custom crawling; language searching; family-safe listings, including the pros and cons of filtering; news searches; and subject-oriented searching. (LRW)

Examines some of the many Internet/World Wide Web versions of MEDLINE and reports whether the file is "healthier" now than it was before. Describes two search examples and two non-National Library of Medicine Web MEDLINE sites. Notes that for MEDLINE searching, the user should pick a couple of sites and perform a personal comparisons and…

Examines what searchers want in an Internet browser. Compares the old versions of two browsers (Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer) with their new versions to see what they have to offer the professional searcher. Also looks at some of the larger issues invoked by the competition between the two products. (AEF)

Presents issues and questions involved in online privacy from the information professional's perspective. Topics include consumer concerns; query confidentiality; securing computers from intrusion; electronic mail; search engines; patents and intellectual property searches; government's role; Internet service providers; database mining; user…

Describes characteristics needed by online research librarians to be effective online searchers. Highlights include basic computer skills; expertise in at least one professional online service; ability to search the Web; professional development; people skills; the ability to conduct a good reference interview; and project management skills. (LRW)

Examines problems with quality of information found on the World Wide Web. Highlights include legal responsibility for complete and accurate searches for clients; rating scales; scope, coverage, and recall in Web search engines; ranking, placement and precision; currency; content quality; and possible solutions. (LRW)

Discusses Internet domain naming practices and indicates which Web search engines can effectively search on domain names. Explains top-level domain (TLD) (ex. http://www.access.gpo.gov - ".gov" = top level; ".gpo" = second level; ".access" = third level; and "www" = fourth level domain). Outlines seven new…

Shares information gathered from a three-day librarian conference in Monterey, California. Compares and contrasts several search engines and offers tips for effective searching. Discusses the efficacy and legality of censorware and how to stay employed during times of cutbacks and downsizing. (AEF)

Discusses the role of online searchers and training needs. Highlights include legal research training; organizational learning, including adult education and lifelong learning; chance and play in learning; training tips that focus on adult learners; and Internet training resources. (LRW)

Compares and evaluates the differences between OCLC's dial-up and World Wide Web FirstSearch access methods and their interfaces with the underlying databases. Also examines NetFirst, OCLC's new Internet catalog, the only Internet tracking database from a "traditional" database service. (Author/PEN)

Examines the needs of Internet users, reviews the responses to these needs, and discusses the role information professionals play in using and organizing online information. User needs include: ease of use, compatibility, reliability, integration of Internet software, stability, affordability, centralized information-finding mechanisms, quality…

Provides a novice's guide to locating and using patent resources on the Internet. The guide examines how easily a novice can find and use patent resources, and evaluates resources on their search and retrieval capability. Findings are from the author's own experiences with various online services and are presented as personal narratives. (JMV)

Explores metasearch engine (metasearch engines search several Web indexes and/or directories and/or Usenet and/or specific Web sites) efficiency and problems, focusing on four engines in specific: Dogpile, Cyber411, Internet Sleuth, and Metacrawler. Concludes that because no engine has precisely the same coverage as another, the searcher using a…