Summarizes trends in the dissemination and exchange of geoscience information. Two major themes in 1980 are (1) the growth and development of computerized data bases, and (2) increased cooperation among professional organizations and government agencies. (Author/WB)

Findings of a longitudinal study indicate high success rates for OCLC as a source of cataloging copy. They further suggest that holding patterns for many types of materials may be unnecessary. (Author/RAA)

A brief introduction to information retrieval by use of a variety of computer data bases including ERIC is presented. (JMF)

Describes the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, its products and services with special emphasis on the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources. Three scenarios of search requests applicable to needs of developing nations are included. (JEG)

Describes the use of external databases, and the design and implementation of new internal systems for the Executive Office of the President. Possible benefits suggested include enhanced communication, and improved administrative, management, and reference support capabilities. (RAA)

Discusses problem preparation and specification along with search strategies and techniques employed by an information scientist in assisting users of on-line data bases, and briefly reviews ways to save computer time. (CWM)

One of the main problems for the chemist conducting any type of research is ascertaining what has been reported, and where. This problem stems from: (1) the diffuseness of the publications which contain articles relevant to the educational researcher; and (2) the lack of a comprehensive abstract and information retrieval service. (Author/BB)

Examines the computer networks as systems of power and focuses on the United States' domination of the hardware and software markets and on the international implications of this dominance. (JMF)

Discusses general problems of thesaurus construction theory and practice. Highlights include lexical control and its tools in various databases; natural language versus conceptual networks; systems approach; thesaurus versus classification, including associative relations; and thesaurus role in information storage and retrieval. (110 references)…

Discussion of Web databases, or search engines for the Internet, presents a series of questions that can be used to analyze these tools based on library literature. Six search engines are analyzed; collection methods, indexing, and abstracting are compared; and a proposal for a future ideal Web database is included. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the retrieval dimensions of data collection activity online and their influence on the research evaluation outcome to reinforce the link between online retrieval and bibliometrics. Topics include publication counts; citation analyses; citation databases from the Institute for Scientific Information; and data set isolation. (Author/LRW)

Numerous Web-based phone and address directories provide advantages over the white and yellow pages. Although many share a common database, each has features that set it apart: maps, suggested driving directions, and phone dialing. This article examines eight (Bigfoot, BigBook, BigYellow, Switchboard, Infospace, Contractjobs, InterNIC)…

Discusses database interfaces and explains that collaboration is an important aspect of searching online information retrieval systems that requires explicit computerized support. Collaboration in physical and in digital libraries is discussed and an example of a system that supports collaboration between browsers, ARIADNE, is described. (105…

Discusses computer user authentication and authorization issues when libraries need to let valid users access databases and information services without making the process too difficult for either party. Common solutions are explained, including filtering, passwords, and kerberos (cryptographic authentication scheme for secure use over public…

Discusses World Wide Web searching techniques for information professionals, and describes and evaluates four search systems that provide advanced search features and that search a comprehensive and authoritative database of Internet sites. Sample searches are explained and professional searching on the Web is discussed. (LRW)