Describes microcomputer based search system that provides access to selected portions of the ERIC database using a simplified and guided format and serves as inexpensive tool to teach concepts of online searching and information retrieval. Getting started, decision and command lines, help instructions, and availability of database disks are…

Presents a description of Act I, the newest database from Data Courier, Inc., which provides an online directory of computer related companies and products. Highlights include content, applications, most useful features, classification code/classification name, and output. A sample record, journals list, and database specifications are included.…

Reviews features of front-end software packages (interface between user and online system)--database selection, search strategy development, saving and downloading, hardware and software requirements, training and documentation, online systems and database accession, and costs--and discusses gateway services (user searches through intermediary…

This guide for users of the Adelphi University Libraries provides instructions for accessing the bibliographic records of the libraries' holdings, which have been stored online since 1968. The steps necessary to search the Adelphi Libraries Catalog Online (ALICAT) by author, title, subject, or call number are explained using text and…

Presents overview of NEXIS, an online computer system providing access to the full text of magazines, newspapers, and wire services relevant to public affairs, social science, business, and general news. Describes free text search techniques, system features, and costs. A special NEXIS terminal has been developed by Mead Data Center. (RBF)

Explains rationale behind proposed voluntary U.S. standard computerized library catalog called the "Uniform Catalog." Design goals (should mimic manual card catalog, offer simplicity of operation and low overhead, permit modular growth to more advanced catalog), sample search, and nine commands and functions used by "Uniform…

Four information retrieval packages that run on single user microcomputers--CAIRS, INMAGIC, Sci-Mate, SIRE--are examined based on following criteria: storage requirements; hardware requirements; search features (Boolean logic, comparison searching, set building, truncation, and wild card characters); system output; security; system maintenance…

Describes three major features of treatment of paradigmatic thesaural information in microcomputer-based concept network management system: use of simple graphic displays of thesaural or paradigmatic information (linktypes); use of thesaural information to generate indirect entries; capability of customizing index displays, including thesaural…

Discusses major features and capabilities of gateway software--microcomputer software packages that act as interfaces between users and bibliographic retrieval systems they are searching--i.e., communication, interface, auxiliary programs. Four programs (In-Search, Universal Online Searcher, Search Helper, microDisclosure) are reviewed and…

This training manual developed by the Public Access Subcommittee of the Reference Department of Meriam Library (California State University, Chico) provides instructions for using the library's online public catalog by means of a keyboard terminal. An introduction describes the Boolean searching capability of the online catalog and gives examples…

Discussion of Library of Congress's efforts to meet challenge of designing and improving its online catalog system LOCIS (consists of SCORPIO and MUMS systems) includes sample searches and results of user surveys (access points in online catalog searches and response to input search statements resulting in no retrievals). (5 references) (EJS)

The SilverPlatter system is a complete, stand-alone system, consisting of an IBM (or compatible) personal computer, compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, software, and one or more databases. Large databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycLIT) will soon be available on the system for "local" installation in schools, libraries, and…

Discussion of database design that allows wider range of capabilities than conventional information retrieval database covers prestructuring of searches to pinpoint target items, which are selected from browseable display, and navigation capability, which allows user to move from record to record within database to facilitate extraction of…

Describes a computer aid developed to assist in academic library reference service using the DataPhase Circulation System, an automated system that features full cataloging records in database and permits local programing. Access points (subject, type of reference work, course) and database structure and user screens are highlighted. (EJS)

This training manual developed by the Public Access Subcommittee of the Reference Department of Meriam Library (California State University, Chico) provides instructions for using the library's online public catalog by means of a touch terminal which accepts commands in the form of a touch on a particular part of the terminal screen. Author and…