This symposium on printed documentation covers (1) Tacoma Public Library's documentation (Lare Mischo); (2) characteristics of bad documentation (Linda Bills); (3) GEAC manuals (Joe Matthews); (4) Personal Bibliographic Software manuals (Victor Rosenberg); (5) DIALOG documentation (Barbara E. Anderson); (6) documentation problems and improvements…

Describes the Waller-Kraft "wish list" of desired information retrieval system properties and identifies ambiguities caused by two distinct uses of the phrase "query term weight." Examples of problems arising from the ambiguity are given and a new list is created and discussed. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

This study compared online versions of LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts), Library Literature, and ERIC to investigate time lag and duplication of coverage. Six searches of each database were executed over a period of 15 months. Results indicated that Library Literature had the least time lag and LISA the most; duplication was low.…

Several leaders in the online industry react to the sale of DIALOG by Lockheed to Knight-Ridder and comment on possible future directions for DIALOG. A sidebar describes the Knight-Ridder organization and its information services. (MES)

Describes the implementation and use of a computer conferencing system at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. The discussion covers the pros and cons of computer conferencing in general, an informal evaluation of the system at Baltimore, and some predictions for future enhancements and utilization. (CLB)

Uses instances of recent postings to the USENET news group rec.games.chess to present a Foucauldian perspective on fashioning of self online. Identifies key aspects of self-fashioning. Considers implications of this Foucauldian approach for future research on Internet self-constructions. (RS)

Describes strategies that can be used to search the DIALOG database by date to add precision to searching. The "Current" command is explained, as well as other commands; ways to search a specific year are described; and DIALOG files that are already restricted by date are discussed. (LRW)

Describes an empirical study that was conducted to examine the performance of expert search intermediaries from Chemical Abstracts Service. Highlights include subject-independent and subject-dependent expertise; a model of the use of subject-specific knowledge; and implications for computerized intermediary systems and for training human…

Describes infomapping, or the mapping of corporate information assets, as a method to manage information as an organizational resource. Attributes of Information Resource Entities (IREs), which are profiled in an information map, are described; management benefits are discussed; and the use of InfoMapper, a software tool for information mapping,…

Explains digital object identifier (DOI) which was developed to facilitate digital commerce by maintaining persistent links to the rights holder of a digital object. Topics include uniform resource locators (URLs); uniform resource names (URNs); and Handle System software. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the use of Boolean logic in information-retrieval systems and analyzes existing criticisms of operational systems. Considers users' ability to use and understand Boolean operators, ranking, the quality of query formulations, and negative effects of criticism; and concludes that criticism is directed at the methodology employed in…

Discusses rare books in library collections and problems that are encountered with theft and/or preservation. Highlights include the effects of online auctions on the Internet; costs of replacing lost materials; and libraries that keep valuable books in the circulating collection, stamping them and subjecting them to use that devalues them. (LRW)

Looks at online writing centers and their multiple relations to cyber spaces and physical places, as well as to institutional and cultural practices. Notes proliferation of online writing centers, hybrid relations of online and offline writing centers, relation of online writing centers to classrooms, transforming space and practice in online…

Discussion of use of the Internet for online payments focuses on payment mechanisms for conducting transactions. Highlights include commercial requirements; security requirements; various proposed and currently used mechanisms; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Provides tips for effective use of interactive distance-learning technology, including graphics, planning, working with cameras and monitors, and cooperating with support technicians. (JOW)