Describes the selection policies, subject access, search aids, indexing, coverage, and currency of three online databases in the fields of electronics and computer science: COMPENDEX, ELCOM, and INSPEC. Sample searches are displayed for each database. A bibliography cites five references. (FM)

Describes the scope, content, and retrieval characteristics of Sociological Abstracts, an online database of literature in the social sciences. Sample searches are displayed, and the strengths and weaknesses of the database are summarized. (FM)

Discusses developments in the application of computer and microform technologies to the storage and management of large map collections, including online cataloging systems, digital databases, videodiscs, microfilm, and the role of map librarians. A bibliography lists more than 70 sources. (FM)

Describes Iowa State University's Computation Center. Center's responsibilities include computer science research and providing computing services to the university. System Industries' Trade and Exchange program (permitting used Digital Equipment Corporation disk drives to be exchanged for new SI equipment at substantial cost savings) was used to…

A school district saves time and costs with an integrated word and data processing system based on a computer that handles, on two mainframe computers, database inquiries and all district office word processing. (Author/MLF)

Describes how library networks develop technology cooperatively and assesses future network roles in the light of new developments. (Author/LLS)

Views increasing costs in the form of royalties as an obstacle to the development of online services in academic libraries. Increased volume, creative pricing, and alternate charging algorithms are suggested for containing costs. Comments of vendors and database producers are included. (RAA)

Describes an online microcomputer-based system called Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES) which stores factual information. Examples of data in the system and uses of the service are presented, as well as considerations for the future. Twelve (12) references are included. (Author/BK)

An encoding approach was designed to track developmentally disabled clients through a continuum of services in a service delivery system. After four years of use, the reliability of the encoding system was evaluated and found to be an effective means of tracking clients through a service delivery system. (Author/JKS)

Compares database update currency, number of hits, elapsed time, number of offline prints or online types, offline print turnaround time, vendor rates, total search cost, and discounted search cost based on vendor discount rates for five simple searches run on three major commercial vendors' online systems. (CWM)

Describes XMARC, a set of computer programs which provides students with a simplified means of writing programs for the automatic indexing of an experimental collection of MARC records. (Author/FM)

Concentrates on describing and illustrating by example the unique BRS features of the online Social Sciences Citation Index. Appendices provide a key to the BRS/SSCI citation elements, BRS standardized language codes, publication type codes, author's classification of BRS/SSCI subject category codes, search examples, and database specifications.…

Describes the decisions involved in an online environmental literature search of COMPENDEX and ENVIROLINE databases when considering free text or controlled vocabulary searching techniques. Topics covered are scope, concept identification, database choice, planning search strategy, and changing tactics during the search. Appendix contains examples…

Illustrates that proper use of location information in the NUC and OCLC databases can reduce costs and improve interlibrary loan efficiency. (Author/RAA)

Discusses the problems encountered and solutions adopted in application of the ADABAS database management system to the ECDIN (Environmental Chemicals Data and Information Network) data bank. SIMAS, the pilot system, and ADABAS are compared, and ECDIN ADABAS design features are described. Appendices provide additional facts about ADABAS and SIMAS.…