Discusses the work of independent information professionals, or information brokers, who provide research services to clients. Topics include evaluating information brokers, including their expertise, access to resources, and what types of added value they can provide; and suggestions for starting an information brokerage business. (LRW)

Summarizes some of the uses and benefits of the Internet for online publishing. The diversity of end-user needs and capabilities is discussed, and a user-centered approach to designing information products for the Internet is recommended. The role of librarians and the importance of communication between online publishers and users are considered.…

Examines what searchers want in an Internet browser. Compares the old versions of two browsers (Netscape Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer) with their new versions to see what they have to offer the professional searcher. Also looks at some of the larger issues invoked by the competition between the two products. (AEF)

Discusses the role of online searchers and training needs. Highlights include legal research training; organizational learning, including adult education and lifelong learning; chance and play in learning; training tips that focus on adult learners; and Internet training resources. (LRW)

Examines the needs of Internet users, reviews the responses to these needs, and discusses the role information professionals play in using and organizing online information. User needs include: ease of use, compatibility, reliability, integration of Internet software, stability, affordability, centralized information-finding mechanisms, quality…

Provides a novice's guide to locating and using patent resources on the Internet. The guide examines how easily a novice can find and use patent resources, and evaluates resources on their search and retrieval capability. Findings are from the author's own experiences with various online services and are presented as personal narratives. (JMV)

Describes the 1996 Internet World conference (New York, NY), and lists--alphabetically by company--products and services for professional online searchers offered by the selected top 40 (out of 550) exhibitors. Includes a product matrix chart for finding products that match needed applications. (AEF)

Discusses information retrieval systems and the need to have them adapt to user needs, integrate information in any format, reveal patterns and trends in information, and answer questions. Topics include statistics and probability; natural language processing; intelligent agents; concept mapping; machine-aided indexing; text mining; filtering;…

Discusses the trials and errors of creating Web sites for libraries. Topics include knowing what the Internet offers, supporting academic computing personnel, observing patron use of the Web, knowing the target audience, developing a selection policy, making and checking links, and analyzing usage data. (LRW)

Examines the growing demand for e-mail reference (Aska) service and how librarians can best manage an electronic help desk. Discusses problems of minimal information and anonymous patrons, followed by views on restricting/not restricting access to the service. Suggests ways to try to screen requests and specify a clientele. Notes the importance of…

Offers steps information professionals can take to avoid liability and malpractice suits by dissatisfied clients. Discusses the need to prepare the client for the search results and the importance of putting everything writing. Describes protective steps to take before and after the search, adding a copyright statement, and when to disclaim.…

Defines "disintermediation" as the process of diminishing the act of coming between by intermediaries (information specialists, librarians, patent searchers). Discusses the need for professional searchers to prove their value, anticipate customers' needs, and know the Internet; and to get active in professional associations. (AEF)

Describes the volunteer-based reference service provided by the Internet Public Library. Topics include advantages and disadvantages, patron needs, the virtual reference collection, the need for more volunteers, and other online question-and-answer services. (LRW)

Presents results from a collective professional searcher evaluation of the effectiveness of Web search engines versus two traditional online services, DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive. The conclusion outlines: searching assumptions; subjects and types of searches where DIALOG and Dow Jones Interactive showed superiority; advantages of using the…

Discusses differences between the World Wide Web and CD-ROMs, and future trends in usage of both technologies. Highlights include Web competition; a conceptual model of CD-ROMs; the CD-ROM marketplace; the Internet; speed of use; hybrid titles; the publisher; and DVD-ROM (Digital Videodisc). Concludes that the Web has certain advantages over…