Describes prototype retrieval systems that use statistically based rank retrieval of records for text retrieval and bibliographic records: (1) the PRISE System at the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (2) the CITE System, for MEDLINE; (3) the Muscat System at the Scott Polar Research Institute; and (4) the News Retrieval Tool at the…

Presents 19 papers from the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting. The articles are based on practical experience with or applications of information technology, including hypermedia and multimedia, CD-ROM, electronic publishing, network services and gateways, user interfaces, and online searching and software. Contains 83 references…

Describes initial design considerations and implementation issues for a hypertext retrieval system for structured bibliographic data. Previous research on information retrieval and hypertext is reviewed; HyperLynx, a hypertext prototype information retrieval system that emphasized ease of use and browsing capabilities, is explained; and further…

Describes a study conducted on the cystic fibrosis (CF) database, a subset of MEDLINE, that investigated clustering structure and the effectiveness of cluster-based retrieval as a function of the exhaustivity of the uncontrolled subject descriptions. Results are compared to calculations for controlled descriptions based on Medical Subject Headings…

Discusses the social interaction between writers using electronic mail systems. Shares two stories concerning this written form of conversation. (MG)

Discusses efforts of the Committee on Computer Activities of the American Philological Association (APA) to develop the telecommunications potential for classical scholars. Outlines plans for the implementation of an on-line newsletter, journal, conference, communication system, and announcement network. (DB)

Discusses the variety of search command languages among online systems and provides suggestions for creating online information retrieval manuals using a database management system such as dBASE III PLUS. An online systems comparison chart is included for INFOGLOBE, INFOMART, DIALOG, QUICK LAW, and REUTERS TEXTLINE. (LRW)

Discussion of end-user searching of online systems focuses on a study conducted at the University of Florida College of Law to determine the usefulness of DIALOG in a law school setting. Training needs are discussed, and search techniques for DIALOG are compared with those for LEXIS and Westlaw. (Four references) (LRW)

Describes enhancements made to a hypertext information retrieval system at the National Energy Research Supercomputer Center (NERSC) called DFT (Document, Find, and Theseus). The enrichment of DFT's entry vocabulary is described, DFT and other hypertext systems are compared, and problems that occur due to the need for frequent updates are…

Includes five articles that discuss the public's access to information from the federal government, especially electronic information. Perspectives are provided from the viewpoints of librarians, industry, public interest research groups, publishers, journalists, and private non-profit foundations; and the Freedom of Information Center at the…

Describes resources available through ICONnect, an online project designed by members of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to help librarians, teachers, students, and parents use the Internet effectively through courses, a homework reference service (KidsConnect), and links to recommended sites. Award-winning classroom projects…

Discussion of the World Wide Web and the role of academic librarians as online system developers and designers focuses on usability testing. Usability evaluation at OCLC and at the University of Arizona is described, and the integration of the results into their Web and online product designs is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Coordinated index concepts are compound-index concepts that express a relationship between concepts that function as simple subject descriptors. The Condorcet Query Engine, a prototype query engine that can be run over the World Wide Web, demonstrates the feasibility of a query engine that can handle both simple and coordinated index concepts,…

Describes the mental coding processes involved in the flow of information when the user is interacting with an enabling information-retrieval (IR) system, or a system designed to stimulate the user's grasping towards a higher understanding of the information need/problem/task that brought the user to the system. (Author/AEF)

Examines the potential of online methods for hypermedia research that allow the recording, analysis, and interpretation of learner/hypermedia interaction. Discusses discourse comprehension research, comprehension of printed text, reading time, verbal protocols, event-related potentials, and interaction protocols in hypermedia research. Contains 56…