Reviews 25 reference sources published in 1987 or 1988 in several formats--books, CD-ROM products, online databases, and government documents--and recommended by librarians. Materials in the following areas are included: general reference; business; science and technology; fine arts and literature; history; medicine and health; and social sciences…

Describes specific techniques for using the MAP command for business searches on DIALOG that use more than one file. Limits of the MAPping function are discussed, and modification of these techniques for application to other databases and systems is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Discusses the current status and future expectations of scientific and technical numeric databases. A bibliography provides resources for background readings, directories or listings of compilations, and subject specific discussions. Numeric database addresses and a summary of available databases are also provided. (CLB)

Examines the potential for malpractice liability of information professionals by discussing the relationship that exists between information professionals and their clients, and the professional's duty to act in an ethical manner and exercise reasonable care. Pertinent court cases are described and questions about professional standards that need…

Identifies four categories of end users, based on their searching ability and knowledge of their subject area. The role of the librarian or information specialist in assisting each category of users to fully benefit from online full text databases (FTDs) discussed. (30 references. (CLB)

Reviews the subject access literature for 1988 in the format of an annotated bibliography. Topics covered in the review include online subject access, standard subject heading lists, proposed alternatives to subject heading lists, authority work, classification schemes, and new product information. (CLB)

The first article discusses the general trends that led to the existence of online databases, including the development of books and libraries, mathematics and computation, computers, information systems, and databases. The second presents a timeline of major accomplishments in the online database industry from 1945 to the present. (CLB)

Offers suggestions for avoiding common errors in online microcomputer use. Areas discussed include learning the basics; hardware protection; backup options; hard disk organization; software selection; file security; and the use of dedicated communications lines. (CLB)

Examines range of coverage and principles of inclusion of dissertations in PsycINFO by comparing searches done on PsycINFO and Dissertation Abstracts Online. Searchers are advised to be skeptical about the accuracy and completeness of vendor documentation and the practical journal literature. Search strategies used are appended. (eight references)…

Describes the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Gateway Information System, which provides communications capabilities and access to online databases for DoD microcomputer end-users. Functions, structure, development, and artificial intelligence applications of the system are discussed. (11 references) (MES)

Describes a progression of tests that were developed for assessing online database accuracy. Results of the tests are discussed and compared; examples of search queries on DIALOG are given; and the possibility of standardizing such tests are considered. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Offers an overview of various online writing labs across the United States, showing how many writing centers are now making use of e-mail, MOOs (Multi-User Object Oriented environments), Gopher, and the World Wide Web to provide writing assistance to writers around the globe. Provides a list of e-mail addresses, gopher sites, and Web pages. (SR)

Describes the SAPHIRE (Semantic and Probabilistic Heuristic Information Retrieval Environment) that was developed to identify optimal approaches to indexing, retrieval, and evaluation of information retrieval systems in the biomedical domain. Six evaluation studies that have been done with SAPHIRE are summarized and future challenges are…

Focuses on an ICP (Inter-University Cooperation Programme) OnLine in the area of Informatics/Artificial Intelligence. Notes that ICP is accessed through the World Wide Web and was launched in the Summer of 1994 to provide "virtual mobility." Discusses the program's objectives, student experiences, and the risks and opportunities afforded by…

Describes 10 bulletin board systems available via dial-up access for federal government information, including National Technical Information Service, Consumer Information Center, Department of Agriculture, Economic Bulletin Board, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Labor, and Department of…