In the pharmaceutical industry more emphasis will be required on tertiary sources which maintain multiple computer-based files. These files are now being made available for SDI purposes, while their usefulness for retrospective searches still needs to be evaluated. (7 references) (Author/NH)

Among other improvements in chemical nomenclature used in the Chemical Registry System, Chemical Abstracts Service intends to standardize the fundamental principles for naming cyclic structures so that procedures for the derivation of ring names can become more amenable to computer generation and translation. (Author/NH)

Article describes the Educational and Career Exploration System (ECES) currently being tested in Flint, Michigan. (MB)

This study proposes and investigates file ordering and retrieval techniques which, it is hypothesized, will: (a) reduce the average cost of retrieving records which satisfy a query, and (b) increase the rate of retrieval in the initial portion of the response period. (8 references) (Author)

The role of the generality effect in retrieval system evaluation is assessed, and evaluation results are given for the comparison of several document collections of distinct size and generality in the areas of documentation and aerodynamics. (14 references) (Author)

Proper name matching schemes are reviewed and an updated version of these schemes is tested on a suburban telephone book. (Author/AB)

Discusses a centralized data base of MARC II records which is operated by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and is available to any library in the state. The history, creation, operation, uses, advantages, disadvantages, cost and future plans of the data base are included, as well as flowcharts (both system and detail) and sample outputs.…

Reports on study conducted at the James J. Hill Reference Library in St. Paul, Minnesota, which explored the extent to which duplicate records in the OCLC database are affecting usefulness of system. Search keys and 'search enhancements' recently introduced by OCLC are discussed with examples. Thirteen references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses strengths of abstracting and indexing services (subject coverage, resolution of language problems, systematic indexing) and summarizes sources, countries of origin, languages, total coverage, and indexing of four scientific and technical services--Biosis, Engineering Information, Inspec, Chemical Abstracts Service. Characteristics of…

Discussion of the marketing of bibliographic databases focuses on defining the market, the purchasing process, and the purchase decision process for researchers, managers, and librarians. The application of marketing concepts to the purchase of online information services is noted. (EJS)

Printings and editions of a given monographic title are noted as major causes of duplicate bibliographic records in bibliographic networks. Considerations which cataloger must note--history of printing technology, cataloging rules, Library of Congress policy, local practices, and standards of bibliographic utilities--are discussed. Thirty-three…

Presents overview of commercially available databases useful to field of mental health. The availability, costs, coverage, currency, update frequency, and access points are compared for four major files--PsychINFO, National Clearinghouse for Mental Health Information, Social SciSearch, and MEDLINE. Forty-nine references are provided. (EJS)

Discusses problems of increasing numbers of databases (standardization, vendor contracts, training, restricted access, duplicate citations), noting implications for change in librarian's role as supplier of decision making data (education, users groups, search aids, information brokers, collection evaluation, reference and source databases,…

The ability of operating departments of an institution to mechanically gather, summarize, and report "local" data is discussed. Problems are outlined that arise when departments have the ability to produce data and do so with rigorous quality control by the institution's central information management organization. (MLW)

In-house library databases or "private files" (online catalog, library-created indexes, citations to journal literature) are discussed, focusing on computer software directories, periodicals, general directories, and online directories as sources for information on computer software. (EJS)