Introduction: The Internet is a dynamic environment which is continuously being updated. Search engines have been, currently are and in all probability will continue to be the most popular systems in this information cosmos. Method: In this work, special attention has been paid to the series of changes made to search engines up to this point,…

There is evidence which suggests that users' attitudes toward on-line interactive retrieval systems may be multi-dimensional. Because this earlier work was based upon factor analysis of the data, it was essential that a replication be attempted. To this end a previous study with a new population of users was repeated. (2 references) (Authors/SJ)

Search theory, originally developed for antisubmarine search, is applied to the scanning of library shelves for books of interest, or of a computerized abstract catalog for items of immediate application. Procedures optimizing the information to be found are discussed, as well as methods whereby the operational parameters can be measured. The…

PROBE, a search and retrieval program, was developed in 1970 at Indiana University to search the computer tape bases for the two ERIC publications, "Research in Education" (RIE) and "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE). The ERIC tapes are received, converted, and combined at the University and implemented on the…

This paper discusses some of the more recent major user studies and examines their methods, findings, and conclusions. The appendix includes a brief bibliography of bibliographies of user studies. (Author/MF)

Presents an abstract for a planned session on the need to coordinate user studies and information retrieval system design research. Topics include human-based research and system-based research; children's information use; usability and cartographic information systems; and ethnomethodology and system design. Panelists included: Nick Belkin, Dania…

The traditional concern with relevance or nonrelevance of unexamined documents is misplaced, and traditional measures of effectiveness should be replaced by estimates of direct utility of examined documents. (Author)

The University of Georgia Information Dissemination Center is profiled. Emphasis is on the organization and services of the system which primarily serves 27 state supported schools in Georgia. Based on a recent survey, the impact of the service on the users is discussed. (DH)

Reviews research findings on the effects of user fees in online searching, and concludes that charging does discourage use of computerized retrieval systems. It is recommended that alternatives to direct user fees be sought whenever possible. (SW)

The design, implementation and operation of the Computer Search Center of IIT Research Institute, an information center to educate and link industry and academic institutions to chemical and other scientific information systems, is described. Format conversion, profile input, search and output programs developed over a two-year period are detailed…

This report examines the problems in the flow of scientific and technological information in the Ceramic Industry. The research methodology used involved a panel of experts which defined the functions performed by ceramists and their corresponding information needs, listed sources of information available to ceramists, and defined problems and…

The user indicated several changes in library use habits as a result of the computer-based searches, among them more direct access to the primary literature and increased use of library resources as they had been made aware of new sources and media--e.g., microforms. (2 references) (Author/NH)

The experiences with ERIC which are profiled for three public school systems reflect specific user requirements in different environments. In "Meeting Professional Education Information Needs: A Profile of How the Alexandria, Virginia City Public Schools Use the ERIC System," Dale Brown discusses the types of searches used by…

This study was undertaken at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to ascertain if a relationship exists between the kind and amount of information given for a specific item and the access point selected by the searcher to determine its availability. Data, study questions, and four references are included. (Author/CHC)