Discusses the problem of how to permit a patron to represent the relative importance of various index terms in a Boolean request while retaining the desirable properties of a Boolean system. (FM)

Examines a selection of innovative search tools that attempt to solve specific problems in searching. Topics include search difficulties, including controlled vocabularies and keyword searching; retrieval issues, including relevancy ranking; document discrimination problems; creating search tools for specific audiences; and interface design,…

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

Examines reasons for the failure to bring about massive and direct transfers of advanced technology to developing countries. Certain necessary conditions for success require that the project be seen as (1) relevant to the client country (2) consistent with local attitudes, practices and traditions (3) capable of producting some visible and useful…

Physical, economic, technical, and social constraints are analyzed in the case of the online vendor, and each component in the chain is considered separately. The user's problems are analyzed from the viewpoint of both the intermediary and the end user, and the effect of the changeover to a new system is considered. (Author)

Online bibliographic and network-based information systems are starting to blur the boundaries that separated print documents. Two concepts emerge as a consequence: the union record, an entity that combines multiple catalog records for a single bibliographic item; and an information dossier, a hypertext-like information object built by linking…

The problems most frequently encountered in subject searching of the NY Times Information Bank are currency, multiconcept terms, generic descriptors, and verbosity. Vocabulary modifications are proposed and suggestions offered to help searchers overcome these problems and reduce their online connect time. These suggestions decreased the New York…

This article expresses concerns about online searches being run by inexperienced searchers or nonchemists for other nonchemists or students. Studies concerning problems in the use of Chemical Condensates Database, Chemical Abstracts, Medline, and patent information are highlighted. Examples of searches yielding unsatisfactory results are noted.…

Discusses the evolution of the Great Comprehensive Electronic Encyclopedia (GCEE) which would contain everything known to humanity and its potential impact on research and education. The question of who should control access to GCEE and indexing, validation, and selection procedures for materials in its data banks are considered. (AM)

This review of research that focuses on solutions to user interface problems in online search systems summarizes and compares the implications of studies in five categories: theoretical models, operating systems, individual cases, controlled experiments, and surveys. Forty-six references are cited. (SW)

Discusses a study in progress that is analyzing retrieval failures in two full-text computer-assisted legal research (CALR) systems, LEXIS and WESTLAW. Computer searching by experts is compared with manual searching by experts, examples are given, and a taxonomy of causes of retrieval failure is discussed. (13 references) (LRW)

Reviews problems with the World Wide Web that can be attributed to human error or ineptitude, and provides suggestions for improvement. Discusses poor Web design, poor use of search engines, and poor quality control by search engines and directories. (AEF)

Presents data model based on text data model (TDM), universal relation model, and nonfirst normal form (NFNF) relations, and discusses applicability to text processing and document retrieval systems. Highlights include database technology applied to information retrieval, NFNF and universal relation, and TDM integration with NFNF universal…

Use of online bibliographic databases in Mexico is provided through Servicio de Consulta a Bancos de Informacion, a public service that provides information retrieval, document delivery, translation, technical support, and training services. Technical infrastructure is based on a public packet-switching network and institutional users may receive…