Presents a modification function for weights of descriptors for documents in fuzzy retrieval systems which includes some desirable properties that are lacking in the model proposed by Choros and Danilowicz in their study on relative indexing. (MBR)

Discusses the use of computerized information retrieval systems in community college settings, focusing on the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS) system. Provides an overview of BRS's 70 databases, searching procedures, costs uses, and limiting factors in information retrieval system use at two-year colleges. (DMM)

Emphasizes class maintenance of National Library of Medicine's bibliographic retrieval file in which maintenance actions (replacement, deletion, addition) reflect yearly changes in Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). File maintenance of other authoritative information attached to headings, class maintenance failures, checking class maintenance,…

Presents a preliminary analysis of differences between Disclosure II and Predicasts Annual Reports Abstracts (databases which provide online company information) as available from DIALOG Information Retrieval Services. Sources of online information, duplication of information, company coverage, currency of coverage, accuracy of coverage, and…

Reviews the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, an online special database of the Research Libraries Information Network that analyzes the contents of journals, listing only those articles dealing with architecture. Access and fees, access points, browsing, and search strategies are covered and examples are given. (EJS)

This paper discusses examples of searching vocabularies, i.e., lists of terms which have been prepared with the online searcher, rather than the indexer, in mind. These lists are categorized as: enhanced thesauri or subject heading lists, synonym listings, index term listings, and merged vocabularies. Eight references are provided. (EJS)

Provides exploration into types of numeric databases available (also known as source databases, nonbibliographic databases, data-files, data-banks, fact banks); examines differences and similarities between bibliographic and numeric databases; identifies disciplines that utilize numeric databases; and surveys representative examples in the…

This 14-item annotated literature review summarizes and analyzes scientific developments in and applications of optical and videodisc technology. Implications for information storage and retrieval, prospects for the optical disc in the office, preservation and the new technology, electronic document delivery, and the impact of technology on…

Summary of developments that have occurred in the past year in online news-retrieval services highlights the demise of the New York Times Information Service, Information Access Corporation's database additions and enhancements, full-text services, specialized databases with current events content, and microcomputer access to news. Twelve…

Offers suggestions to business communicators on how to write a thoughtful and clearsighted corporate history. (AEA)

Six retrieval systems have been identified which attempt to analyze materials with respect to their instructional uses. However, a comprehensive cataloging system for adaptive education will not be developed until the expertise of library catalogers is applied to the task. (Author)

Rectangular Venn diagramming for planning searches and for use as worksheets that can be revised during on-line searching is described. (Author)

PRECIS, The Preserved Context Index System, is explained in detail. (AP)

This paper discusses the use of tools for analyzing and visualizing data to synthesize knowledge from data. The first section notes the worsening problem of too much information, resulting from technology advances that have made fact or data look-up fast, efficient, and inexpensive. The second section presents a table of six data types (i.e.,…

This white paper provides an overview of the present state of community college evaluation processes and procedures, discusses possible enhancements, and outlines the basic design concepts for a unified system to collect, organize and manage student data. The intended audience is community college administrators, researchers, and others who…