Reports on a study designed to ascertain the occurrence of 10 terms from the field of urban planning in 55 databases available on the DIALOG system by searching the terms in the Dialindex file. Total postings and postings in 10 top ranking databases for each term are shown. (eight references) (MES)

Examines the relationships between purchases of optical data disk products, publishers, and software suppliers. The discussion covers current pricing strategies for optical data disk software and information products, and possible future developments in marketing and pricing. (CLB)

Presents a mathematical theory that can be used to define concentration places of objects within unordered classes. The application to research on the evolution of journals and subject areas is illustrated, and an online method of calculating concentration evolution is described. (1 references) (CLB)

Summarizes three years' experience in providing online information about all types of courses in the United Kingdom through the Educational Counselling and Credit Transfer Information Service (ECCTIS). (JOW)

Discusses issues which will have an impact on database searching for the next five years: (1) quality control; (2) more inhouse databases; (3) changes in database visuals; (4) pricing policies; and (5) market changes. A number of favorable and unfavorable changes unlikely to occur within five years are also noted. (MES)

Benefits of the proposed Common Command Language for online interactive information retrieval, which has been developed by the National Information Standards Organization, are discussed, as are remaining problems in cross-system searching. A summary of the language showing the functions performed by the various commands is included. (MES)

Reviews the literature on online bibliographic databases for secondary sources in history. The effect of online databases on the reference process is discussed, and the principal databases in the field are introduced. Areas for future research are suggested, and 23 references are listed. (Author/MES)

Describes the concept of maximum indexing, a system aimed at achieving maximum recall and maximum precision in computerized information retrieval. The indexing strategies used to achieve maximum indexing and the problems that arise are discussed. (9 references) (CLB)

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages for library uses of stand-alone and integrated computer systems, multi-user and single-user systems, local area networks versus shared logic systems, and the Macintosh Library System which combines features of both. (EM)

Evaluates the database program SAVVY PC and describes its use in a public library reference department to index a local newspaper. The basic structure of SAVVY and FORTH, the language it's written in, are explained along with how the database is used. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed. (EM)

Describes in detail features of the IBM personal computer's components--computer, keyboard, monitor, printer, modem--and outlines specific choices for one searching machine that works well (system unit, disk drives, adapter boards, monitor, printer, modem, cables, options, supplies, software). Reasons to choose IBM personal computer for online…

This examination of online subject searching of personal names in four databases--PAIS, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and Social SciSearch--covers documentation and searching for personal names as descriptors, free-text and controlled vocabulary searching, recall and precision, identifier field, and online versus manual retrieval. Search…

This initial article in series of three discusses barriers inhibiting use of current online retrieval systems by novice users and notes reasons for front end and gateway online retrieval systems. Definitions, front end features, user interface, location (personal computer, host mainframe), evaluation, and strengths and weaknesses are covered. (16…

The distributed data processing system at an Indiana school district can be expanded without causing degradation in response time. Microcomputers are used for daily data entries, and to initiate data inquiries to the mainframe and to communicate with each other. (MLF)

Describes how operations on local inverted files are to be modified in order to use them in distributed information retrieval systems based on thesauri. The presented rules may be viewed as the logical approach in implementing a distributed retrieval system consisting of n local retrieval systems. (Author/MBR)