Discussion of text summarization in information-retrieval systems focuses on summarizing the similarities and differences in information content among documents. Highlights a tool for analyzing document collections such as multiple news stories about an event or sequence of events. Contains 58 references. (Author/LRW)

This review of abstracting policies used by database producers focuses on the degree to which these policies incorporate criteria vital for acceptability of abstracts for free-text searching. Each topic in abstracting policy (abstract type, length, content, and language) is examined to consider its effect on retrieval. (MBR)

This paper discusses several of the trends in information handling for text-based storage and retrieval systems that are prevalent in the United States. The paper considers, in particular, specialized information products, cooperative and networking activities, and work on standards. Information products include current awareness abstract…