Search

New economy corporate Web sites have pioneered exciting techniques-rich media, interactivity, personalization, community, and integration of much third-party content. Discusses business-to-business (B2B) Web commerce, with examples of several B2B corporate sites; portal and content elements of these sites; and corporate content outlooks. (AEF)

Although the availability of free information on the World Wide Web has placed traditional, fee-based proprietary online services on the defensive, most major online business services are now on the Web. Highlights several business information providers: Profound, NewsNet and ProQuest Direct, Dow Jones and Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition, Lexis-Nexis reQUESTer, and DIALOG Web. (PEN)

Discusses Dialog Information Service's lawsuit against the American Chemical Society (ACS) over online searching capabilities. Antitrust law is discussed, fair competition issues are raised, the user's point of view is considered, possible outcome scenarios are suggested, and a sidebar summarizes claims and counterclaims by Dialog, ACS, and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). (LRW)

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Compares the available databases, retrieval techniques and costs of traditional online searching of remote databases and local online access, i.e., databases available at the point of use via CD-ROMs or site licenses. The options and risks of local online access, and the possible impact on the database industry, are discussed. (CLB)

Predicts that online searching in the 1990s will be characterized by end users discovering faster and easier ways to access information. Predicted trends that are discussed include databases designed for end users, pricing innovations, increased use of CD-ROM products, improved computer graphics, and the expansion of database products into the personal market. (CLB)

Compares three methods of data entry available to database producers--keyboarding, optical scanners, and electronic input--in terms of turnaround time, accuracy, and cost. It is concluded that, although the trend is toward electronic submission, all three methods will remain as viable options in the foreseeable future. (CLB)

Description of bibliographic databank produced by the H. W. Wilson Company covers databases (bibliographical, directory, forthcoming); the WILSONLINE search system (search statement formulation, identifying search terms, other search features); print options; search management features; performance, documentation, and assistance; costs; and WILSEARCH. Databases, searchable fields, and costs are appended. (EJS)

Business Computer Network (BCN) employs automatic calling and logon, multiple database access, disk search capture, and search assistance interfaces to provide single access to 15 online services. Telecommunications software (SuperScout) used to reach BCN and participating online services offers storage and message options and is accompanied by documentation and support. (EJS)

Lists and describes databases that provide software reviews and directories, and that focus on particular applications, including engineering, education, libraries, microcomputers, and general business. A directory of these databases is provided which includes the database producer, starting date, updating frequency, and online access vendor. (CLB)

Describes five online databases that focus on computer products, primarily software and microcomputing hardware, and compares the databases in terms of record content, product coverage, vertical market coverage, currency, availability, and price. Sample records and searches are provided, as well as a directory of product databases. (CLB)

Descriptions and evaluations of 13 databases devoted to computer information are presented by type under four headings: bibliographic databases; daily news services; online computer magazines; and specialized computer industry databases. Information on database producers, starting date of file, update frequency, vendors, and prices is summarized on a chart. (CDD)

Examines the new pricing policy adopted by the Chemical Abstracts Service, which is based on search term charges rather than connect time. Technical and business developments leading to this change are reviewed, and reactions of several experts in the online field are included. (MES)

Describes features and enhancements of the EasyNet end-user gateway software including the addition of more databanks, improved help for searchers, field searching, online help from humans, and scanning for database selection. Capabilities of the Common Command Language are discussed. Figures show a database scan, EasyNet commands, and a sample search. (MES)

Three online databases that provide information on regional, state, and local business news are compared in terms of publications indexed, indexing guidelines, record structure, span of coverage, currency, and availability. (CLB)

Describes six leading numeric databank services and compares them with bibliographic databases in terms of customers' needs, search software, pricing arrangements, and the role of the search specialist. A listing of the locations of the numeric databanks discussed is provided. (CLB)

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)

Several leaders in the online industry react to the sale of DIALOG by Lockheed to Knight-Ridder and comment on possible future directions for DIALOG. A sidebar describes the Knight-Ridder organization and its information services. (MES)

Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans. (MES)

Provides reviews of 10 online databases: Consumer Reports; Public Opinion Online; Encyclopedia of Associations; Official Airline Guide Adventure Atlas and Events Calendar; CENDATA; Hollywood Hotline; Fearless Taster; Soap Opera Summaries; and Human Sexuality. (LRW)

At each of Baltimore's 46 junior and senior high schools, a microcomputer system distributes tickets for subsidized lunches and transportation for over half of the students. (MLF)