Several problems of finding keys in directories are considered. Methods of searching ordered and unordered directories are analyzed. Searching on ranges of key values in also considered. Finally, design tradeoffs among the classes of directory and searching strategies are developed. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Describes the theoretical framework of a retrieval system that uses data structures called bitmaps to improve search algorithms for medium-sized systems. Information retrieval systems that contain the full text of the documents are discussed, and the use of inverted files such as concordances for small texts is explained. (24 references) (LRW)

Higher education reference tools, including a fact book, encyclopedia, and directory are listed in this 16-item bibliography that also reports the standard indexing and abstracting journals, information and referral centers, automated search services, and other resources.

With the growth of computer technology, bibliographic data bases have developed into sophisticated online research tools. The major data bases are produced by abstracting and indexing (A&I) publishers. Vendors purchase the A&I publishers' machine readable tapes, then sell computer access to the tapes to information based organizations such…