To assess value of abstracts in online information retrieval, this study attempts to match free-text search phrases to index terms and provides classification of documents indicating form of retrieval to be expected by searching three databases--Energyline; Management Contents; and America, History and Life. Results of a sample search are…

Describes use of a database management system (dBASE II, produced by Ashton-Tate), noting best features and disadvantages. Highlights include data entry, multiple access points available, training requirements, use of dBASE for a bibliographic application, auxiliary software, and dBASE updates. Sample searches, auxiliary programs, and requirements…

Considers patent subject searching capabilities of major online databases, noting patent claims, "deep-indexed" files, test searches, retrieval of related references, multi-database searching, improvements needed in indexing of chemical structures, full text searching, improvements needed in handling numerical data, and augmenting a…

Provides a chronology of news library automation and describes the current functions and services of a newspaper library. Areas discussed include clerical tasks, automated clip files, the use of free text searching and field specificity in newspaper databases, the development of online experts, and the impact on the skills required of news…

Discusses the Vocabulary Switching System (VSS), an experimental, automated switching system, which specifically addresses the problems of heterogeneous database vocabularies and indexes and the difficulty these pose for users who wish to combine more than one database in a single online search. (CWM)

The vice president of a computerized information center discusses her career history, the development of information services and the database industry, current information technologies and the role of artificial intelligence, characteristics of indexers and abstractors employed, the kind of training needed by abstractors and indexers, and…