Describes the Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) system, an integrated information retrieval system for corporate end users. Discussion covers general characteristics of the system, search techniques, protocol development, user interfaces, servers, selective dissemination of information, nontextual data, access to other servers, and description…

Provides an overview of databases that include the best information about Latin America. Highlights include problems with using "Latin America" as a search concept; Latin American information on DIALOG; the dominance of TEXTLINE among the major newswires; comparisons between DIALOG and other online services; specialized Latin American…

Discusses ways to locate information on the Internet. Highlights include LISTSERVs; files to download, including text, graphics, software, sounds, and animations through Archie; locating files on a Gopher via Veronica; the World Wide Web; and electronic mail addresses. (LRW)

Describes a prototype online search system called ASK (Assisted Search for Knowledge) that will provide Internet and dial-up access to an array of databases related to environmental and demographic change. The Global Change Data and Information system that is being organized by federal agencies is described. (Author/LRW)

This fact sheet about the INTERNET Gopher, an information distribution system combining features of electronic bulletin board services and databases, describes information availability, gateways with other servers, how the system works, and how to access Gopher. Addresses and telephone numbers for additional information or news about Gopher are…

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)

Describes VISION (Video Indexing for Searching over Networks), a digital video prototype developed at the University of Kansas to demonstrate the technology necessary for an online digital video library. Highlights include content-based search and retrieval of video over computer networks; full-text information retrieval; and future plans.…

Describes the 1996 Internet World conference (New York, NY), and lists--alphabetically by company--products and services for professional online searchers offered by the selected top 40 (out of 550) exhibitors. Includes a product matrix chart for finding products that match needed applications. (AEF)

Analyzes whether push technology is a threat or opportunity for online searchers. Outlines key functions of push technology products and defines key technology terms. Illustrates how the role of the online searcher changes with push technology. (AEF)

Presents 19 papers from the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting. The articles are based on practical experience with or applications of information technology, including hypermedia and multimedia, CD-ROM, electronic publishing, network services and gateways, user interfaces, and online searching and software. Contains 83 references…

Considers how media audiences and online users differ in their assessment of news. A national survey that studied the perception of interactivity in mass media and computer networks, and its relationship to the assessment of news, indicated that more emphasis on feedback is needed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the growing trend of federal agencies permitting online public access to their computers. Highlights include examples of public access programs, differences in agencies' stands on dissemination of information, agency computer networks and databases that are the basis for the National Research and Education Network, and security…

Introduces the information superhighway (the Internet), and presents a guide to navigating it. Offers basic instruction on obtaining and learning to use network accounts; locating addresses using Archie and Wide Area Information Server; retrieving information using file transfer protocol; utilizing Gopher to find and retrieve; browsing the World…

Introduces the Internet, including a brief history of the system, the essential components, and a step-by-step procedure for getting started. Discusses online services of specific interest to Hispanics. Also considers the political debate over privatization of services. (RAH)

Discussion of CD-ROM as an alternative to online searching for academic libraries focuses on a comparison between online and CD-ROM costs at the University of Natal (South Africa) library. Other factors examined include funding methods; user fees; staff involvement; user training; user access, including search intermediaries and networking; and…