Reports on the design and use of a computer system designed to assist online database searchers in determining the relevance of downloaded abstracts. The system, which runs on a personal computer, includes aids for individual review of abstracts and semiautomatic determination of relevance; prospects for fully automatic use are discussed. (CDD)

Retrievability of titles of 152 periodicals were compared in a fixed-length algorithmic search (Library Computer System) and a keyword search (Washington Library Network) to determine which type of search algorithm is more successful with titles of varying lengths. Three references and a list of English language stopwords are appended. (EJS)

Describes MARC record-based online information retrieval system that provides full search and maintenance capabilities for manuscript records and indexes in the Special Collections Department, Hunter Library, Western Carolina University. Item versus group description of manuscripts, system architecture, searching, and record structure and file…

Describes a demonstration student-oriented information retrieval system developed at Indiana University that works on a data file of MARC records. Background and implementation, searching and printing features (command structure, fields), and use of the system in an information science course are highlighted. Four references are included. (EJS)

Describes the Electronic Text Center at the University of Virginia that contains an online collection of full-text databases delivered through a single search program. Highlights include user support services; use of Standard Generalized Markup Language; users; and providing a model for other universities. (LRW)

Three separate articles describe the online union catalog developed and implemented at the University of California to enhance public access. Planning for library automation, development and production of the database, access points to the catalog, the patron interface, standardizing input data, and merging records are discussed. References are…

The National Library of Medicine's Current Information Transfer in English public access online catalog offers unique subject search capabilities--natural-language query input, automatic medical subject headings display, closest match search strategy, ranked document output, dynamic end user feedback for search refinement. References, description…

Describes a study that examined the search behavior of remote users of the University of California MELVYL online public access catalog by analyzing the transaction logs. Highlights include the number of searches, databases searched, number of retrievals, constructing search commands, problems with search terms, and effectiveness of searches.…

Presents overview of library classification and automation (1940-84), including use of Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification in online cataloging systems. Highlights include classification number access in existing online catalogs, functions of classification records, specifications for authority file records, and the nature of…