Describes two factors affecting the results of manual and online information retrieval: the manner by which classification codes and key words are chosen, and the degree to which papers with comparable contents are accorded similar keywords. Of 14 alternative search strategies selected, the best consisted of using classification codes coupled with…

Describes a systematic approach to the design of fixed-length, derived, truncated search keys for corporate author records; and a statistical method for predicting the performance of search keys for files of arbitrary size. (VT)

Physical, economic, technical, and social constraints are analyzed in the case of the online vendor, and each component in the chain is considered separately. The user's problems are analyzed from the viewpoint of both the intermediary and the end user, and the effect of the changeover to a new system is considered. (Author)

An example of an on-line printout from the Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service (DJNR) is given accompanied by a brief discussion of how to use the service, description of how one library uses it, and some of its constraints. (JPF)

Six data bases common to Lockheed and SDC were singled out for a study conducted by DOE to determine whether it would be advisable to maximize the use of one data base vendor for their searches. Results indicated that maximizing either SDC or Lockheed was not practical; differences in costs of two systems are outweighed by their different search…

The Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center collected data in November, 1977 on the use of the machine assisted reference service (MARS) with no charge to the library patron. Results are reported in tabular form from responses to questionnaires completed by both patrons and searchers for data bases used, time, online charges, and percent…

ISPEDS is a computerized information base and retrieval system designed initially to serve the State Department's Office of International Athletic Programs (IAP). It provides timely information in sports exchanges, competitions, clinics, tournaments, seminars, and associated meetings. (LBH)

Older people seem to have difficulty learning new materials, perhaps because it takes them longer to retrieve relevant encoding information from memory. To assess the effects of age on speed of retrieval, 60 health males from 25 to 74 were shown pictures of common objects they were name aloud as quickly as possible. (Editor)

Estimates of frequency of spelling errors are made based on a sample of 3,600 index terms drawn from 11 bibliographic data bases. The impact of these errors is discussed by tape supplier, tape user, and end user; with some suggestions for search strategies.

Describes the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Indexing Aid Project for conducting research in knowledge representation and indexing for information retrieval, whose goal is to develop interactive knowledge-based systems for computer-assisted indexing of the periodical medical literature. Appendices include background information on NLM…

Describes the various roles and business-related concerns of independent information professionals. The impact of online databases is discussed, and several publications for information entrepreneurs are reviewed. (MES)

Designed to characterize journals as part of the selection process for journals to be included in an information retrieval database, two studies used bibliometric techniques to examine patterns of publishing and topic patterns and coverage, and a third developed a rule-based system to evaluate the qualities of a journal. (CLB)

Reviews aspects of the relationship between machine learning and information retrieval. Highlights include learning programs that extend from knowledge-sparse learning to knowledge-rich learning; the role of the thesaurus; knowledge bases; artificial intelligence; weighting documents; work frequency; and merging classification structures. (78…

Reports the results of a study which examined costs and search results for 20 searchers conducted on both BRS After Dark and Knowledge Index. Various features of the two retrieval systems are reviewed, and advantages and disadvantages of each system are summarized. Data are presented in one table and several graphs. (24 references) (MES)

Presents an operational definition of personal information retrieval systems and describes design principles of current applications and existing systems, current trends, and research guidelines for general design principles. (4 references) (Author/CLB)