Discusses the relationship between personal knowledge in a domain and online searching proficiency in that domain, and the relationship between searching proficiency and database-assisted problem-solving performance based on a study of medical students. Search results, selection of terms, and efficiency were found to be related to problem-solving…

Aims to report the number, content, and quality of literature on teaching tools for health professionals. Results of a literature search are reported for texts and research articles. A scale for "user-friendliness" was developed. Recommendations are made for improving retrieval and comprehension of literature on educational tools for health…

Describes a project at the University of Sheffield that is investigating the use of nearest-neighbor retrieval algorithms for full-text searching. Nearest-neighbor searching is compared with Boolean retrieval and hypertext, and an experimental text retrieval system called INSTRUCT (Interactive System for Teaching Retrieval Using Computational…

This article briefly describes the development of bibliographic retrieval systems in the Instituto de Beneficio di Minerales (IN BE MI) in Salta, Argentina, using the Mini-micro CDS/ISIS software developed by Unesco. (LRW)

Unlike conventional information retrieval systems, natural language processing (NLP) systems translate queries automatically into the language of the system. This paper discusses the potential impact of NLP on both the indexing and retrieval of text and examines some current NLP projects and systems that have established knowledge bases in narrow…

Authority control improves users' access to a library's holdings by enhancing the ability to find and select materials. The AutoCat authority control system developed at Dickinson College (Carlisle, Pennsylvania) avoids the high initial costs of vendor clean up and Library of Congress authority tapes while reducing the labor involved in authority…

Discussion of accessing visual resources focuses on possibilities for subject access. Projects in North America and Europe that represent current trends in accessing visual resources are described; computer-aided retrieval strategies are reviewed, including key words, comprehensive descriptors, and optical scanning; and user needs are considered.…

Describes hypertext and discusses the need for classification schemes in hypertext knowledge bases. The process for finding and using information in libraries is considered; the use of classification in libraries is discussed, including the development of library catalogs; an example of hypertext with a classification structure is described; and…

Discussion of improving subject access in online library catalogs focuses on a study that used a book description from "Book Review Digest" to evaluate the information on the bibliographic record found on the OCLC database. Matching by Library of Congress Subject Headings and by keywords in the title are discussed. (22 references) (LRW)

Describes a project that examined textual information available on the Internet and potential means of providing access to this information. Highlights include an overview of Internet resources, a profile of a document sample, description of FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sites, and an automated method of categorizing files. (MES)

Examines why the "paperless office" has failed to materialize despite the availability of appropriate information technology. Conceptual limits are discussed, including the continued reliance on relational database management systems; the use of free-text retrieval software is considered; and social limits are described, including access…

Examines usage scenarios for a database of descriptive information to access networked information resources such as online library catalogs, file archives, online journal article repositories, and information servers. Existing classification schemes and their usefulness for networked information resources are discussed. Specific data elements…

Describes the use of file transfer protocol (FTP) on the INTERNET computer network and considers its use as an electronic publishing system. The differing electronic formats of text files are discussed; the preparation and access of documents are described; and problems are addressed, including a lack of consistency. (LRW)

Fax-on-demand is a response application that allows callers to use touchtone telephones to access databases and other information. The information is then delivered to the caller's fax machine. Ten sidebars describe a variety of specific services. (11 references) (DB)

A study investigated the relationship between in-patient hospital costs, charges, and length of stay and use of MEDLINE searches. Results indicate that, among patients for whom searches were conducted early in the case, these variables were significantly less than those for whom searches were conducted later. (Author/MSE)