Describes Web versions of online systems and considers advantages and trade-offs for information professionals and other searchers. Web versions highlighted include Dow Jones Interactive; Dialog; LEXIS-NEXIS; and STN. (LRW)

Discusses the effects of microcomputers on online services and products from the perspectives of the major participants in the online industry--database creators and providers; service or network operators; libraries and information brokers; and end users. Ongoing developments and trends affecting participant groups are reviewed. Three references…

A survey of online searchers' perceptions of seven database vendors over 13 service-related characteristics resulted in DIALOG being ranked first for all attributes. A statistically significant relationship between overall preference and frequency of use was demonstrated, with reliability, variety, and flexibility the most highly ranked…

Provides an overview of videotex and teletext systems under development or being marketed in the United States and Europe. Current trends indicate a diminishing participation by librarians and information scientists in information display technology. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

This document is the newest revision of the third manual documenting the National Agricultural Library database. Since it began in 1970, the AGRICOLA database has continued to grow and to change steadily; new subfiles have been added, database record formats have been expanded, and subject category code schemes have been modified several times.…

This paper reports an industrial information specialist's experience in performing online searches for engineers and surveys the databases used. Engineers seeking assistance fall into three categories: (1) those who recognize the value of online retrieval; (2) referrals by colleagues; and (3) those who do not seek help. As more successful searches…

Reports results of survey of United States online database producers designed to determine number of personnel employed in intellectual production of databases and provide basis for generation of people employed in frequently recurring staff categories. Implications for education based on needs suggested by staffing patterns are examined.…

A review of the literature indicates that innovations in technology are making it possible for the consumer of information, the end user, to gather his own information online. The information specialist's role is changing from that of a researcher to a trainer and leader in the information gathering process. Reports on end user training indicate…

The revolution in the information environment caused by new technology is making the training of information consumers a major challenge for publishers of business-targeted databases and vendors of online systems. Research conducted by Data Courier in 1981 and 1982 suggests that online searching by information consumers will continue to increase.…

Trends in online searching are discussed in terms of how end users continue to change role of the librarian and information specialist. Identification and description of end users, user-friendly information retrieval systems, front-end software packages, and current and potential developments in end user searching are covered. Ten readings are…

Outlines use of multiple database searching in the behavioral sciences, focusing on the first two steps of the search strategy process--analyzing the information problem and selecting databases. User needs (comprehensiveness, currentness and type of relevant material) and searcher resources (efficiency) are analyzed. A table outlining resources…

This article analyzes the front end software marketplace and discusses some of the complex forces influencing it. Discussion covers intermediary market; end users (library customers, scientific and technical professionals, corporate business specialists, consumers); marketing strategies; a British front end development firm; competitive pressures;…

This paper highlights the findings of two studies conducted by Market Opinion Research for Data Courier Inc., both of which focused on textual or bibliographic business information. The first study consisted of interviews with 535 known searchers of the ABI/INFORM file, a product of Data Courier Inc. The purpose was to determine the habits, needs,…

Reports results of two-phase study of size and composition of U.S. online database production organizations. Comparison of 1982 and 1984 data for online database producers to determine number of personnel employed in intellectual production of databases permitted identification of employment trends, which forms focus of discussion. (6 references)…

Authors share their experiences in training Oklahoma Teletype Interlibrary System/ Oklahoma Information Line (OTIS/OIL) personnel in the techniques of "profiling" searches during a one day workshop. Components of the workshop described are straight lecturing, interactive lecturing, role playing, and problem solving. (JPF)