This overview of 48 online databases relevant to behavioral and social sciences provides access and scope information for each database, a listing of database vendors, and a list of selected references. Use and limitations of online bibliographic searching and difficulties encountered in staying up to date are discussed. (Author/EJS)

The computer-based reference process includes the user pre-search form, appointments, search strategy negotiation, on-line sampling and on-line search session. The role of the search analyst, his personality and communication skills are discussed in relation to the success or failure of a computer search. (JAB)

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

Views increasing costs in the form of royalties as an obstacle to the development of online services in academic libraries. Increased volume, creative pricing, and alternate charging algorithms are suggested for containing costs. Comments of vendors and database producers are included. (RAA)

Describes basic strategy for cocitation searching, i.e., searching for any document citing at least two other specified documents, usually on same topic. Search terms, using combinations for retrieving cocited papers, boundary spanning, retrieving review articles, adding new cited sources to modify strategy, and cited sources/free-text terms are…

An overview is provided of a computer based reference course at the State University of New York at Albany which uses the ERIC file on BRS to teach online searching techniques. Course highlights include question negotiation, Venn diagramming, explanation of STAIRS file structure and Boolean logic, and management of services. (J PF)

Describes the creation of Bibliographic Retrieval Services/TERM, a vocabulary database providing controlled vocabulary descriptors and natural language synonyms for thousands of concepts related to behavioral and social sciences. Inspiration behind TERM, basic decisions, integrating vocabularies, database design, and production are highlighted.…

Presents a chronological overview of the initiation and operation of the State University of New York at Albany library's computer-based reference services, with a discussion of costs, planning, organizational, and managerial considerations. (Author/CWM)