Proposes a new technique for teaching search strategies on CD-ROM databases, using common novice errors to illustrate basic search techniques. By incorporating examples of search errors, such as use of search terms that are too narrow or broad, or failure to utilize thesaurus terms, database users may more readily comprehend why searches are…

Summarizes the findings of a recent study on the indexing practices used in the Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) database. Descriptors, or indexing terms, from the thesaurus are analyzed; searching implications are discussed; and the relationship between the classification code and the descriptors is examined. (Contains 21…

This manual provides detailed instructions for using SilverPlatter software to search the ERIC CD ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a large bibliographic database relating to education which contains reference information on numerous journal articles from over 750 journals cited in the "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE),…

Describes search strategies and vocabulary selection for researching information on Native Americans using DIALOG databases as examples. Highlights include tribal names search strategy; examples of false drops; revised search strategies for full-text databases; Internet sources, including various software systems; and CD-ROM products about Native…

Discusses problems encountered in creating a subject thesaurus for the "Ethnographic Bibliography of North America" that is adequate for both print and CD-ROM formats. Topics discussed include postcoordination versus precoordination of terms; precision and recall; natural language versus controlled vocabulary; free-text searching; and…

ELNET (Electronic Library Network), a Japanese language database, allows searching of index terms and free text terms from articles and stores the full text of the articles on an optical disc system. Users can order fax copies of the text from the optical disc. This article also explains online searching and discusses machine translation. (LRW)

This guide provides basic instruction on how to search the ERIC database on the SilverPlatter CD-ROM, which is the computerized equivalent to Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE) and Resources in Education (RIE). The entire database is available on three discs, from 1966 to the present. Included in this guide is a description of the ERIC…

This manual introduces the novice searcher to ERIC on Disc and discusses how to prepare for a search by creating a search statement; how to locate ERIC terms using the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors; and how to modify and limit the search using boolean logic. A computer keyboard illustration accompanies descriptions of the functions of the…

Opening with an introduction to the ERIC database, this guide provides a description of the organization and content of the SilverPlatter version of ERIC on CD-ROM. Citing examples of its uses, the guide explains the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors," and provides a diagram of the computer keyboard used for searching ERIC using…

Discussion of research in the humanities focuses on the "MLA International Bibliography," the primary database for literary research. Highlights include comparisons to research in the sciences; humanities vocabulary; database search techniques; contextual indexing; examples of searches; thesauri; and software. (43 references) (LRW)

Compares the CD-ROM search techniques of 42 undergraduate native speakers of English with those of 34 undergraduate English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) speakers. Native speakers were more likely to use plural words and synonyms. Both groups underutilized basic search techniques, such as Boolean operations and indexing. (Author/AEF)

Reviews recent literature on the use of technology in libraries by children and young adults. Highlights include the effectiveness of interactive information retrieval systems; children's use of card catalogs versus online catalogs; skills needed for success in using library catalogs; children's abilities to formulate searchable queries; and the…