As the use of information and the means to find it change due to computer and communication network technology and the advancement of online computer searching, abstracting and indexing services must decide which information services they intend to supply. (CWM)

Reviews 1979's publications and activities in the fields of general subject analysis, classification, subject headings, and indexing. An extensive list of references is provided. (FM)

Outlines a classification scheme designed for language tapes and based on a review of other systems. The catalogue is recorded on a card index, in booklet form, and in a computer. A sample catalogue card is included and a description is given of the process used to set up the cards. (Author/AMH)

Reviews major term-weighting theories, presents methods for estimating the relevance properties of terms based on their frequency characteristics in a document collection, and compares weighting systems using term relevance properties with more conventional frequency-based methodologies. Eighteen references are cited. (Author/FM)

Describes the serials book catalog at the Iowa State University Library, one which provides access points generated automatically from the central serials database by a unique, locally written computer program. (FM)

Suggests a nationwide Canadian online bibliographic system for improved access to research publications, especially scholarly journals and papers produced by university departments and research institutes, similar to the ERIC system. Also discussed is funding of this abstracting and indexing service, possibly through the Canadian government. (SW)

Views automatic indexing as a two-tiered word frequency analysis that involves selection of a technical vocabulary and identification of document keywords. Assumptions, criteria, evaluation, and relevance are discussed. (JD)

Discussion of models for indexing and searching information resources on the Internet focuses on the results of a simple query on a number of existing search systems and on two proposed index metadata structures for indexing and supporting search and discovery: the Dublin Core Elements List and the Semantic Header. (52 references) (Author/LRW)

Examines Internet metaphors in the titles of 100 articles published in 1995 and found in three indexing services. Analyzes criteria for assessing the usefulness of metaphors to determine the more appropriate metaphors that might successfully convey to the novice user the purposes and activities possible with the hyperlinked elements and functions…

Discusses methods for automatically compiling domain-oriented vocabularies in natural language systems and describes techniques for evaluating the quality of the resulting word lists. A study is described that used subject headings from Grolier's Encyclopedia and the United Press International newswire, and filters for removing high frequency…

Suggests ways to increase precision when searching full text files on BRS, Mead Data Central and DIALOG. All of the techniques are based on achieving repetition of central concepts as expressed in natural language. Schematic representations of strategies and sample searches on each of the three systems are provided. (10 references) (CLB)

Describes a mechanism by which thesauri can be updated and maintained using citation, co-citation, and citation context analysis. When tested in 26 specialty areas of economics and sociology, the method generated a rich alternative terminology which experts found appropriate for describing those areas, and which compared favorably with Library of…

Discussion of research into information and text retrieval problems highlights the work with automatic natural language processing (NLP) that is reported in this issue. Topics discussed include the occurrences of nominal compounds; anaphoric references; discontinuous language constructs; automatic back-of-the-book indexing; and full-text analysis.…

Summarizes various linguistic approaches proposed for document analysis in information retrieval environments. Topics discussed include syntactic analysis; use of machine-readable dictionary information; knowledge base construction; the PLNLP English Grammar (PEG) system; phrase normalization; and statistical and syntactic phrase evaluation used…

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)