Explains five causes of false drops in online searching: reverse concepts, homographs, truncation, acronyms, and negatives. Examples from a variety of databases are provided. (EM)

Three types of forms are provided for information specialists and users of online systems: (1) search request form developed for the type of user who is unfamiliar with the online search process; (2) data base evaluation form for the user to evaluate search results; and (3) data base statistics form for recordkeeping and management information.…

Presents a nine point "User Friendly Index" scale used to describe increasing or declining degree of computer system friendliness. Terms to denote the user system such as intimate, friendly, cordial, polite, crabby, ornery, hostile, and vicious are discussed. Seven references are cited. (EJS)

Notes advantages and disadvantages of the DIALOG Predicasts files and provides instruction in their use. (RAA)

The Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center collected data in November, 1977 on the use of the machine assisted reference service (MARS) with no charge to the library patron. Results are reported in tabular form from responses to questionnaires completed by both patrons and searchers for data bases used, time, online charges, and percent…

Discussion of the search process in the online information field focuses on what information professionals do after the data have been gathered and are ready to be presented to the end user. An example is given using a framework developed at Henkel Research Corporation that puts results in a more helpful context. (LRW)

Discusses interface agents and online help systems, focusing on Microsoft's animated office assistants. Highlights include intermediaries such as librarians in off-line reference problems; user complaints about online help systems; navigation problems; evaluation of the online office assistants; and categories of user queries to online help…

Discussion of the use of dynamic data resources, such as Internet LISTSERVs or Usenet newsgroups, focuses on an experiment using an automated filtering system with Usenet newsgroups. Highlights include user satisfaction, based on retrieval size, data sources, and user interface and the need for some human mediation. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

Detailed profiles and comparisons of European databanks being marketed in the United States include marketing strategies, subject content, number and types of databases offered, cost information, value added services, and more. Users' views of the viability, ease of use, and strengths and weaknesses of European databases are presented. (CLB)

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Describes a study conducted with graduate library school students that compared two commercial online search systems, DIALOG and WILSONLINE, to determine which system was preferred for what purposes, and whether the order of teaching or acquiring expertise in searching a system affected preferences. An appendix includes student comments comparing…

Discusses end-user searching at Exxon through in-house training and with Searchmaster, a user friendly front end system. The six menu-like Searchmaster programs, which permit end-users to perform routine searches on specific databases, are described. (EM)

Describes study of chemists in the Chemistry Division, Organic Research Laboratory, Eastman Kodak Company, as end-user searchers on the DIALOG system searching primarily the "Chemical Abstracts" database. Training, level of use, online browsing, types of searches, satisfaction, costs, and value of end-user searching are highlighted.…

Emphasizes that the current closed or in-house systems approach to information retrieval needs to be expanded to include all the information systems available, and that the sources of user satisfaction and retrieval success must be tracked before changes can be made in certain system components. Ten references are listed. (FM)

Discusses topics related to the introduction of CD-ROM databases at the Hahnemann University library, including hardware and software, staff training, changes in workload, access and promotion of the service, bibliographic instruction, and public response. Tables listing basic knowledge and protocol for assisting users, a user questionnaire, and…