Examines issues involved in processing rush document delivery requests. Presents a survey of CD-ROM and online document delivery services; suggests in-house techniques to access documents; and reviews technological advancements made in document delivery. Sidebars present typical turnaround times for various document formats and typical document…

A survey of the users of an online computer-mediated matchmaking service showed that their communication patterns and objectives varied by their sex, shyness level, and appearance. Intrinsic aspects of this system helped some users overcome relationship-initiation barriers rooted in sex role, shyness, and appearance inhibitions. (Author)

Addresses problems with automated bibliographic and full-text storage of scientific articles. The role of the scientific article is described, the structure is explained, current indexing and information retrieval techniques are criticized, new possibilities using a rhetoric syntax or argumentational syntax are explored, and the use of hypertext…

This review of the literature on full-text databases provides information on search strategy, performance measurement, and the benefits and limitations of full text compared to bibliographic database searching. Various use studies and uses of full-text databases are also listed. (21 references) (LAE)

The increasing complexity of evaluating information retrieval (IR) systems is discussed in terms of contributing factors and research methods. Examples are provided from experiments with weighted searching on a front-end system, information-seeking behavior and online catalogs, and the OKAPI experimental retrieval system. (21 references) (LAE)

Discusses the application of artificial intelligence to online information retrieval systems and describes several systems: (1) CANSEARCH, from MEDLINE; (2) Intelligent Interface for Information Retrieval (I3R); (3) Gausch's Query Reformulation; (4) Environmental Pollution Expert (EP-X); (5) PLEXUS (gardening); and (6) SCISOR (corporate…

Reviews the history of OCLC and describes current and future objectives. Highlights include membership; network affiliations; cataloging services; interlibrary loan; EPIC, a new reference system; a new telecommunications network; PRISM, a new online system for cataloging and resource sharing; pricing strategies; international operations; and…

Discusses the adequacy of relevance as a criterion for evaluating information retrieval system effectiveness and describes an empirical study that investigated academic library users' assessments of retrieval system performance. Results are presented that indicate relevance is not an adequate criterion in light of other success factors mentioned…

Maintains that an expanding amount of information about the United Nations is available through on-line databases, CD-ROMs, and diskettes. Presents a review of information resources: (1) online databases; (2) diskettes; and (3) CD-ROMs. Includes a chart of 28 United Nations database addresses on the Internet as of August 1994. (CFR)

Discusses how to look for jobs via the Internet and online databases. Highlights include Internet sources for job information, including lists, gopher servers, online "Chronicle of Higher Education," College-Wide Information Systems (CWIS), and "America's Job Bank"; options without Internet access; where to list a resume; and…

Describes an investigation of tools, techniques, and methods for the evaluation of interactive library catalogs, with emphasis on diagnostic methods and on use of the catalog in the wider context of user information-seeking behavior. A front-end system (Olive) developed to test various enhancements of traditional transaction lodging as a…

Ability OnLine is a pilot electronic mail project designed to foster the self-esteem, social integration, and computer literacy of Canadian children and teens with disabilities. It is offered to both disabled and nondisabled students and their families on a Toronto, Ontario, private bulletin board system. (JDD)

This second in a series of articles about online sources of environmental information describes scientific and technical databases that are useful for searching environmental data. Topics covered include chemicals and hazardous substances; agriculture; pesticides; water; forestry, oil, and energy resources; air; environmental and occupational…

Presents perspectives of teaching and learning via Internet-based courses. The courses discussed use the Web as a delivery system, not as the primary content. Describes courses offered and course organization; instructors' perspectives--from traditional distance education teaching to Web-based teaching; the role of Web consultants; and student…

Describes new developments, such as Internet 2 and the Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative, as well as other potential advances in high-performance applications that these new electronic resources will create. Relates these developments to the evolution of the Internet, and looks ahead to their likely impact beyond the higher education and…