bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAINING AND RETRAINING: MYTH AND REALITY
Authors: Fletcher Wendell , Gillman Katherine , Fox Gorte Julie
Published: January 2008

Significant changes are occurring in the work place, affecting some 10 percent of the work force each year. Although not all these workers need retraining, many of them are finding that acquisition of a new skill is the key to keeping or regaining a good job. Retraining and reeducation are also important factors in U.S competitiveness. The greater the skills and better the education of the workforce, the more flexibly American businesses can adapt to intensifying world competition. Government programs and employers are, to some degree, providing retraining for adults, and workers are increasingly aware of its value. There are still unmet needs for adult training and education, however, especially among those who could benefit most — the less skilled and less educated.
International opportunities for the use of information systems in securities trading created by deregulation of the London Stock Exchange
Authors: Clemons Eric K. , Adams Jennifer T.
Published: January 2008

Big Bang, the deregulation of the London Stock Exchange in October of 1986, was accompanied by changed industry structure, altered regulatory environment, and new trading practices. In particular, trading was automated, and the floor of the Exchange was rapidly abandoned. Such massive discontinuities have produced opportunities in other industries. Although they may prove temporary, opportunities are arising to seek competitive advantage in London. Given the information‐intensive nature of securities trading, and the great differences in resources and experience with technology enjoyed by different firms, many of these advantages will entail the use of information technology.
Encountering electronic work groups: a transaction costs perspective
Authors: Ciborra Claudio C. , Olson Margrethe H.
Published: January 2008

The design of effective systems for cooperative work must be based on a thorough understanding of the forces that shape cooperation and influence the productivity of the work group. We argue that cooperative work is not a straightforward social process whose stability can be taken for granted. On the contrary, each case of work group formation and process is uniquely influenced by its contextual forces. The appropriate type of information technology for the work group, and the impact of the technology on work group performance, are also determined in part by that context.
Low End expert systems in business: high yields for stand‐alone applications
Authors: Ruth Stephen R. , Carlson Christopher K.
Published: January 2008

This paper investigates an important issue emerging in information systems management—the decision to proceed with an expert system (ES) application in a business setting. The focus here is on knowledge based systems at the lower end of the complexity spectrum—small, very focused systems that can be implemented by the use of shell‐based development environments. This category represents the majority of ES that are currently being implemented and has some characteristics quite different from the larger systems. A classification scheme is suggested to differentiate three levels of ES development, from multi‐million dollar life cycle cost ES environments to those that are in the low five figure range. The Low End segment of the range, emphasized in this paper, is characterized by lower unit costs, powerful development tools and a large number of small, successful applications. The important role of Low End systems is discussed, with particular emphasis on their relatively high yield in stand‐alone applications. Such systems do not meet the AI demands of moderately or very complex problems but there is a surprising breadth in their use. A group of key success factors for Low End systems is proposed, based on a synthesis of the applications literature. To operationalize these factors three actual cases using Low End technology—from marketing, government, and agribusiness—are briefly described. Low End systems are not all gain. Low unit costs here can often mask the risks of proceeding headlong into an application without careful examination of the variables that can predict successful results. An agenda for action is offered for specific management policies for the planning of knowledge‐based applications.
Communication as a core management discipline: The relationship between new management trends and the need for new perspectives in education in both management and public relations
Authors: Kent Kay
Published: January 2008

Public relations has long been associated with the marketing process within organisations but its acceptance as a managment discipline at the highest level has been slow in coming, partly because of perceptions that public relations practitioners are primarily technicians, rather than strategists. Current management thinking is, however, increasingly orientated towards the development of relationships and wider acknowledgment of environmental influence on the bottom line through the impact of reputation. This paper argues for more attention to be given to communication theory in the development of management education programmes but, equally, more recognition of the need to underpin public relations education with a more management‐orientated theoretical base.
Making the connection between public relations and marketing: building relationships, corporate equity and a ‘culture‐to‐customer’ business philosophy
Authors: Hutton James G.
Published: January 2008

As marketers develop new marketing strategies and as marketing scholars seek a new paradigm for the field, public relations perspectives may be preferred over traditional marketing perspectives. Given that public relations has a longer history in building relationships and corporate equity — two of the cornerstones of marketing's future — a public relations perspective has the potential, first to help marketers move from a tactical to a strategic focus, secondly, to contribute substantially to marketing theory by providing depth, breadth and context to emerging concepts such as brand equity, one‐to‐one marketing and relationship marketing, and thirdly, to help more organisations discover the ‘culture‐to‐customer’ business philosophy that characterises most great marketing organisations.
Putting communication on management's agenda
Authors: Quirke Bill
Published: January 2008

Getting communication right is vital to making change happen inside organisations — yet poor internal communication is routinely sabotaging efforts for change. Internal communicators are frustrated by senior managers who seem committed, but who then pay lip service to communication. Rather than trying to push communication further up senior management's agenda, the internal communicator should be trying to link communication with what is already at the top of their agenda. In order to be convincing, internal communicators will need to undestand the business issues that the organisation faces, and link internal communication more demonstrably to the business strategy.
Community Relations — good neighbour strategies
Authors: Friend Carol
Published: January 2008

A neighbour who lives entirely behind closed doors becomes the subject of speculation, rumour and at worst, fear, founded on lack of understanding. This is as true of an organisation as it is of an individual. This paper reviews the role and value of quality community relations strategies, identifying five rules for developing those strategies.
Using decision profiles to analyse advertising agency and client conflict
Authors: Murphy Priscilla , Maynard Michael
Published: January 2008

This study tests the premise that conflict between advertising agencies and clients has a cognitive basis — that is, each group weighs decision factors differently, and consequently evaluates campaigns differently. We identified five common decision factors in evaluating campaigns: market research, media planning, message/creativity, budget, and agency/client relationship. Based on these five variables, we used multiple regression‐based judgment analysis to create decision profiles for a group of 120 advertising agency professionals and clients. We compared agencies' and clients' judgments by six categories. Analysis affirmed that cognitive conflict differs by product type, longevity, and campaign purpose; but not by seniority or campaign budget. Clients had less cognitive disagreement with creatives than with agency management.
The changing role of parliamentary lobbyists
Authors: McLeod Jon
Published: January 2008

The professional techniques used to lobby government are changing in the wake of Lord Nolan's continuing inquiry into standards in public life. The author explains why the industry's attempts at self‐regulation may still have some way to go before they persuade MPs of their value.
Benchmarking internal communication
Authors: Phelps Richard
Published: January 2008

The paper considers benchmarking internal communication. It starts by briefly describing benchmarking methods — metric and qualitative benchmarking — together with the objectives behind such a programme. It goes on to discuss an IC benchmarking club which has been launched recently. Details of the sample questions asked of organisations participating in the club to obtain qualitative and quantitative data are given in the Appendix. The paper concludes by listing traits commonly found by the author's company in best practice organisations.
O, come in equivocator! The fallacies of reengineering
Authors: Weiss Edmond H.
Published: January 2008

It cannot be known for sure, but it appears that the sentence uttered most often by advocates for the reengineering construct is: ‘Reengineering is not downsizing!’ This disputed association of terms usually draws a defensive complaint or disclaimer from reengineering enthusiasts and from any corporate communicator who must win either public or employee support for the programme. But this paper argues that this recurring disclaimer is naive and self‐serving. That is, enthusiasts for reengineering tend to mislead us and themselves in three ways. They—fail to examine the suspect organisational metaphor on which the reengineering construct is based;—equivocate about the meaning of the essential term ‘work’; and confound the goals of reengineering with its inevitable consequences.
Building an in‐house public affairs function
Authors: Walker Gloria
Published: January 2008

Increasingly more companies are recognising the importance of regulations and other legislation and their effects on business. This recognition has caused significant growth in public affairs practice, primarily through the growing number of public affairs consultancies which have been supporting the organisation's public affairs efforts. Importantly, organisations are realising that an in‐house public affairs practitioner offers greater understanding of the objectives of the company and is available to work with other internal managers to formulate effective public affairs programmes.
Communication in organisations operating internationally
Authors: Dawson‐Shepherd Andraea
Published: January 2008

Internal communication is a significant challenge for most UK organisations, and for those operating pan‐nationally the challenge grows considerably. The complexity lies in the requirement for communication which is consistent in its meaning and impact across different countries and national cultures. Whether the requirement is around the dissemination of corporate information across the organisation; the enhancement of cross‐cultural team communication or the general development of dialogue to inform the global and local management process, having to factor in national culture features as well as organisational culture features makes it more complicated. But what do we mean by organisational communication? The common view of communication inside an organisation is as the transmission of information. In fact it is much more than that. This paper uses a simple hierarchy to draw out the full internal communication picture.
The power of the media and how to measure it
Authors: Macleod Sandra
Published: January 2008

With $24b being spent on PR world‐wide, it is no wonder that PR is increasingly being asked to be accountable and demonstrate effectiveness, if not value for money. This paper examines ways to measure PR success, focusing primarily on media output. Helpful guidelines set up by the main companies involved in this activity under the banner of the Association of Media Evaluation Companies (AMEC) are laid out, including what budget to set aside, how to develop a brief useful questions to ask and check list for success.
Communication and Lloyd's reconstruction
Authors: Hill Peter J.
Published: January 2008

This paper is concerned with outlining the role of ‘communication’ and ‘measurement’ techniques in the successful achievement of one of the longest and most complex financial re‐structurings undertaken in commercial history. It sets out the background of a financial crisis which deepened and threatened to overwhelm Lloyd's, a three‐centuries‐old financial institution whose name is synonymous with ‘insurance’. This paper is based on an original presentation to the Insurance Institute of London in November 1996 entitled, ‘Lloyd's PR Under Siege’. It outlines some of the many difficulties faced in securing a successful resolution to a complex problem which had a worldwide dimension, from which important lessons can be drawn for ‘crisis management’ applied within organisations. In particular, reference will be made to the role played by quantitative and qualitative ‘attitudinal research’ among key audiences and to the deployment of ‘media evaluation’ techniques in support of communications objectives.
The British Gas demerger — the internal communications story
Authors: Lewis Simon
Published: January 2008

The demerger of British Gas in 1996 was one of the largest restructurings in UK corporate history. This paper focuses on the internal communications challenges of the demerger, including the objectives, strategies and results. It is written from the perspective of an ‘insider’ because the author was a member of the executive team of British Gas, responsible for the external and internal communication in the run‐up to the demerger.
Not so much ‘what’ you say, but ‘how’ you say it
Authors: Cooke Chris
Published: January 2008

Whenever people enter an interaction, listen to a briefing or read an article they unconsciously form opinions about the person or people initiating the communication and the nature and credibility of the communication itself. Based on these opinions, people form an attitude towards communicator and communication, and that attitude will dictate whether they believe what is being said, whether they trust the communicator's judgment, and whether they offer any feedback. More often than not these opinions are not based on the content of the message being delivered, nor on the types of channel it is being delivered through, or on any informed knowledge about the initiator. The opinions are based on other factors — the communicator's mannerisms, the way they look, and the kind of language they use. This paper will look at how such opinions are affected by the language used in communication. It will draw on a number of linguistic studies that illustrate this process in action and will demonstrate, through a case study, how manipulating this process can help to build more effective corporate communication.
Ideas into action: Innovation in public relations practice
Authors: White Jon
Published: January 2008

On 9th July, 1998, the Journal of Communication Management organised a seminar on innovation in public relations practice with the Institute of Public Relations special interest group, Mindlink, and City University Business School in the City of London. This paper summarises the thinking which led to the seminar, and some of the discussions which took place at the seminar.
Exploring the positioning process in political campaigning
Authors: Baines Paul R. , Lewis Barbara R. , Ingham Bernard
Published: January 2008

This paper explores the process used to communicate public policy in political campaigns. Empirical research has been conducted into determining the voters' consideration of the importance of national political issues and the association of the electorate's consideration of the importance of issues with identification with parties in the UK. This paper attempts to show how political parties can position themselves on the basis of issue stances when targeting groups of voters. A model is suggested to aid in public policy evaluation with implications for positioning; recognising that those parties that formed the previous government have significant advantages over the opposition during the conduct of electoral campaigns since they can make use of the government's communication networks. However, the paper looks at this process from a party‐oriented perspective (where issues are used more to persuade the electorate) rather than a candidate‐centred perspective (where personalities tend to be used more). Thus, further research needs to be conducted in order to ascertain the model's suitability in and adaptability for candidate‐driven political markets.
The future of EU‐level interest representation
Authors: Greenwood Justin
Published: January 2008

A central mechanism of European integration is the relationship between the European institutions and European‐level interest groups. This paper reviews the ability of interest groups to contribute to European integration by providing an overview of their numbers, support factors, resources, capacities and organisation, as well as identifying the change agents in their organisational environment.
Schools sponsorship: Corporate philanthropy or integrated marketing communications weapon?
Authors: Bennett Roger , Gabriel Helen
Published: January 2008

Respondents in 86 UK companies known to engage in the sponsorship of schools and school activities participated in a survey designed to investigate the extent to which sample firms perceived and managed their schools sponsorship programmes as commercial investments rather than as philanthropic donations. The study also examined the reasons for schools sponsorship, how closely it was integrated with other forms of marketing communications, the location of responsibility for its administration, whether it was leveraged by other marketing communications instruments and how it was monitored and evaluated. Cluster and multiple group discriminant analyses were completed to identify the characteristics of the sample businesses which adopted materialistic as opposed to altruistic approaches towards the practice.
Text or context: Ostman’s theory of persuasion
Authors: Jolly Stephen
Published: January 2008

This paper argues that it is possible to make a scientific analysis of the process of persuasion as a function of the language used in any social interaction rather than merely the context in which that interaction takes place. In other words, persuasion is a rhetorical as much as a sociolinguistic phenomenon and persuasive language in itself constitutes a distinct register or style of speech.
Editorial
Authors: Hatcher Mark
Published: January 2008

In a speech to a business conference organised recently by Greenpeace, Robert Shapiro, the head of Monsanto, the US biotech company, ruefully acknowledged that his group had lost the battle to persuade people about the possible merits of genetically modified food. ‘Because we thought it was our job to persuade,’ Mr Shapiro admitted, ‘too often we forgot to listen.’ As the old millennium draws to a close, it is worth examining the context in which these remarks were made and the implications for corporate communications practitioners.
Best practice in risk management and reputation
Authors: Larkin Judy
Published: January 2008

The 21st century brings with it profound changes in the relationship between business and society, and the implications for the way in which companies communicate are significant. In the era of the triple bottom line the stakes are much higher for companies in their dealings with the outside world — accountability and responsibility have become the watchwords of modern business, and external perception of the way in which companies behave is becoming a more and more tangible risk issue. Best practice in managing a range of non‐financial risks requires companies to develop an adaptive and intuitive approach based on ‘outside‐in’ thinking. Failure to do so can result in irreparable reputational damage.
Public relations measurement finally coming of age: A US perspective
Authors: Bergen John D.
Published: January 2008

This opinion piece reviews the forces driving the growth of public relations measurement between the mid‐1980s and the present day. Looking to the future, it discusses the increasing importance of reputation as a key intangible corporate asset and discusses the emerging efforts to measure reputation and the effectiveness of public relations in building reputation.
Comparison of selective dissemination of information systems
Authors: Kaminecki Ron
Published: January 2008

Currently available on‐line systems historically have been used as retrospective search methodologies. With interest in on‐line retrieval increasing by leaps and bounds, the application of these inverted‐file oriented systems to selective dissemination of information (SDI) services bears investigation. Within given user‐specified demands and system constraints, what is the best method of providing an SDI service? A typical batch system is compared with four types of commonly available on‐line SDI systems. The operating parameters of each are outlined, and estimates of bottom‐line costs are given.
The user — cordial interface
Authors: Goldstein Charles M. , Ford William H.
Published: January 2008

A great deal of effort has been expended on the topic of user‐oriented interface (UOI) to online retrieval systems. This paper discusses the contradictory nature of the phrase UOI as commonly applied to retrieval systems today and describes a different approach to the problem made feasible through improvements in the technnology.
An online component in an interdisciplinary course on information resources for science and engineering students
Authors: Antony Arthur , Sivers Robert , Weiser Virginia , Hodina Alfred
Published: January 2008

Principles of online bibliographic information retrieval, and some practical work with major search systems, was offered as a component of a course dealing with information resources for university students in science and engineering at the University of California. As part of this program each student performed a search on a topic of his own choice and presented an oral report to the class on that search. Student reactions and attitudes are discussed, and some of the problems which emerged are described. The relevance to student needs of the online component of the course is also presented.
The role of automated subject switching in a distributed information network
Authors: Niehoff R.T. , Kwasny S.
Published: January 2008

This article discusses some of the forces at work within today's online database environment which could lead to the emergence of a distributed information network. Several important modules in such a network are identified, including an automated subject switching module. Switching options include: exact matching, equivalency matchings and word‐ and phrase‐stem matching. Research investigations, critical issues, and preliminary findings with regard to switching options and strategies are reported. It is anticipated that one of the primary benefits from automated subject switching will be much greater utlization of the online STI resource.
The Washington Library Network Computer System
Authors: Woods Richard
Published: January 2008

With the development and growth of the Washington Library Network Computer System in recent years, it has emerged as an effective and efficient automated system to support acquisitions, cataloging and other technical processing functions in libraries of all types and sizes. The online union catalog and COM catalog production has greatly expanded the effectiveness of reference and interlibrary loan services. This article covers all features of the computer system. It outlines system hardware, software, and the file structure as well as providing a description of the use of the system. Also discussed are system features such as authority and bibliographic quality control, precision database searching, and automated fund accounting for acquisitions and fiscal management. Other areas covered in this paper are: governance, administration, training, research and development, and types of users, both online and those which want to transfer software as in the recent successful installation of WLN software at the National Library of Australia.
Methods for chemical substance searching online I. The basics
Authors: Oppenheim Charles
Published: January 2008

This paper describes the principles behind some of the search method possibilities for online chemical databases. In a subsequent paper, the actual methods available will be described.
Migration from print to online use
Authors: Trubkin Loene
Published: January 2008

Database publishers have good reason to fear the potential effects of migration from the use of printed services to the use of online services. This paper examines the economics of publishing information services and the effects of migration on profitability. It also points out the likely increasing frequency of experimentation with other than connect‐time charging for online access and three factors other than migration that are important considerations in pricing decisions.
End user education: a design study
Authors: Elias Arthur W. , Vaupel Nancy , Lingwood David
Published: January 2008

The education and training function of a non‐profit, discipline specialized database producer will be traced and comments offered as to its contribution to end user objectives. Later work relating to divisions of end user groups in terms of market and functional segmentation, will be used to present findings obtained in a special design study conducted by BIOSIS with the assistance of Ilium Associates, professional communications specialists. Market segments will include educators, students and managers, and some scenarios for end user education will be presented.
Online user forum
Authors: Lawrence Gerri G.
Published: January 2008

Just how do Online User Groups provide continuing education in order to cope with all the new and updated information, training, hardware changes, cost and pricing issues, new databases — in total, the entire rapidly escalating online world? Well cope they do indeed, and in a vast variety of ways. But rather than simply list the titles of programs held by user groups I would like to briefly explore and outline how online user groups manage to aid their members in being proficient and up‐to‐date searchers.
Online information retrieval interface with traditional reference services
Authors: Klugman Simone
Published: January 2008

This paper deals with the interaction of traditional reference work and the new services generated by online information retrieval capabilities. It offers a rationale for providing these services in the context of a library setting and assesses their impact on the library environment. It describes some of the problems which resulted from this absorption such as staff reactions, added workloads, user acceptance etc. The librarians' influence on future prospects is also examined.
Search corner
Authors: Fears Charles B. , Hlava Marjorie M.K.
Published: January 2008

With the increasing emphasis on alternative sources of energy, we are looking towards coal as a long range answer to a major portion of our future energy needs. Information concerning all conceivable aspects of coal has grown in response to this. The information industry has in many respects kept up with this rapid rate of growth, but any thorough‐research into the subject of coal necessitates (at least for the forseeable future) a combination of both traditional and computerized reference services. This is not necessarily a hindrance in research, but something that one must be aware of. Much information on geological exploration, mining practices and techniques, economic implications, regulations, chemistry, development of by‐products, and environmental problems surrounding the use of coal was written before the development of widely circulated bibliographic tools and online data files.
Online document retrieval system education for undergraduates: rationale, content and observations
Authors: Lowry Glenn R.
Published: January 2008

A course in basic information retrieval principles and use of online document retrieval systems is a curriculum requirement for undergraduate computer science students at Stockton State College in New Jersey. A combination of theory‐oriented lectures and online search sessions using DIALOG enables students to observe course principles in action. An undergraduate course of this type differs significantly in content from those normally offered in graduate library schools in one primary area; while most students in graduate library schools are presumably aware of the functions and issues of index languages and library operations, undergraduate computer science students need to be taught the basics of these subjects. A corequisite course insures student background in the design requirements of deterministic data retrieval systems. This background provides a useful framework in which to explore index language limitations and design features of document retrieval systems which must provide multiple access points. The course has been enthusiastically received as evidenced by student participation, anonymous student evaluations and requests for the development of subsequent courses designed to prepare students for careers in the online information retrieval service environment.
In‐house training for online searching at a special library
Authors: Heyer John
Published: January 2008

In 1977, the U.S. General Accounting Office Library greatly increased its staff of online searchers and the number of online systems used. The author developed and conducted in‐house training courses for these systems, including DIALOG, SCORPIO, ORBIT, and the INFORMATION BANK. Training included instruction on general search concepts, system software, and appropriate searching tactics, and various exercises designed to develop appropriate skills. Special courses were designed for librarians without prior online experience, librarians with prior online experience with other systems, and student and clerical personnel. Training has been conducted at intervals from June 1977 to the present. Advantages of this program include continuing contact between instructor and students throughout the learning process and integration of online training into regular work patters.
An online associative query modification methodology
Authors: Preece Scott E.
Published: January 2008

An online system of associative information retrieval is described. The system uses a network representation of the information in a bibliographic database and a processing paradigm modeling a continuing flow of user interest through the network to implement associative retrieval and query modification. The system is capable of relevance feedback, thesaurus and statistical query expansion, Boolean and best‐match searching, and retention of associations based on previous search experience. The query modification capability stems from the ability to incorporate thesaurus or dictionary linkages between terms and preferred or alternative forms and to generate associations between sets of documents and the vocabulary they contain. The former capability allows the automatic incorporation in a query of pre‐defined equivalent or alternate terms. The use of terms associated with retrieved documents allows automatic discovery and inclusion of related vocabulary, index terms, and subject categories and may improve the effectiveness of free text searching in databases incorporating controlled vocabulary indexing and subject classification schemes. A pilot version of the system has been implemented on the DECsystem‐10 and tested on small scale files;illustrative sample searches are presented.
The use of microelectronics to assist online information retrieval
Authors: Williams P.W.
Published: January 2008

There is now available the technology to substantially improve the quality of online information retrieval at low cost. It is possible by using microcomputers to economize on search costs, increase the convenience of searching, improve the quality of a search, and make the searching process easier for the unskilled user. Some of the facilities have already been implemented on a microcomputer costing £650 ($950), and also on a microprocessor box which plugs in between an ordinary terminal and modem. Savings of search costs of more than 50% have been achieved. Some of the possible enhancements are discussed and the most appropriate way of introduing these features is surveyed.
Online user forum
Authors: Lawrence Gerri G.
Published: January 2008

Starting at home base — The Houston Online User Group sponsored an October meeting: The Federal Government: Information On‐line. Topics covered included NIH‐EPA, NLM, NTIS and ASI/CIS … The first issue of the 1980–1981 Oregon Online User Group (OOUG) Newsletter provided a summary of past events, goals and objectives, and future plans. Other items included business news, upcoming national meetings, points of interests from other information organizations, and continuing education courses …. MIDLNET (Midwest Region Library Network announced the appointment of Dr. James E. Skipper as Executive Director, effective October 1, 1980 …. Bay Area User Group reports their October meeting held at Stanford's Math‐Computer Science Library with a presentation of their computer services program …. A tour of INFO MART treated the Santa Barbara Group …. Southern California's September meeting was ‘Suggestions for Improvement of Online Systems and Databases’ — a synopsis of the results will be distributed via the National Online Circuit …. But the biggest news out of sunny California is that the members of CLASS are able to communicate with each other via On Tyme. Various user groups have had training sessions on this electronic mail service which promises savings in cost, manpower, and time …. CLASS has also offered workshops on INSPEC, RLIN, BRS, MARC, Systems Refreshers, and Laboratory Animal Data Bank …. The North Carolina Online Users Group held a User Education/User Evaluation program which included a slide show ‘Computerized Search Services’ as used at the Burroughs Wellcome Company. Their recent newsletter provided a summary of their major spring workshop on current affairs databases … NCOLUG also sent a copy of their member directory — it's divided into three sections: List of members, organizations represented in NCOLUG, and a Database Index … MIDBUG (Michigan Database Users Group) sponsored BIOSIS (beginning and advanced) and Disclosure Seminars and co‐sponsored a Non‐Bibliographic Data Base Conference with the Western Michigan Chapter S.L.A. and the Upjohn Company …. The Columbus Area Online Users Group presented an ISI Databases Workshop instruction for online retrieval of Science and Social Science Citation Indexes …. Western Michigan University also presented an ISI Workshop in October …. San Antonio Area Online Users Group hosted Data Courier, Inc. and their newly revised Online Training Session …. Kansas City Online User Group has been active with a hands‐on workshop with The Source; reports have it that all attending found it a rewarding workshop.
Developing databases for online information retrieval
Authors: Reveley Levine Gwen
Published: January 2008

The emergence of online databases represents a shift from providing a physical entity, a book or an article, to the more abstract concept of providing or transferring information. The role of the database developer/analyst in that shift is that of an information retrieval ‘cataloger’ responsible for determining the access points supported by the database's contents, much as a traditional library cataloger defines, describes, and classifies the intellectual content of a book and ‘maps’ it into the library's card catalog. This is only one of the several parallels between the functions of an information retrieval service and a traditional library. For example, users ‘check‐out’ information from both, but while a circulation staff shifts the collection to accommodate growth, a retrieval service updates databases and allocates additional disk space to allow for expansion. Describing the tasks required in developing a database for online searching is the purpose of this paper. The requisite tasks for database development are: analysis, design, conversion, testing, loading, and documentation. Analysis involves a determination of file format (fixed, stream, directory) across all years of the file. Design requires understanding file content, the needs of end user, and retrieval system standards and features. Conversion is accomplished by file generation programs that convert input data into the searchable and printable fields of an online database. Testing consists of debugging the conversion program and adjusting the original design to accommodate aberrant data conditions. Loading is the creation, by the file generation programs, of disk files to be accessed by the retrieval system. Documentation is the transfer of experience and knowledge about file content and system feature from file designer to file user. The task of designing databases for an online information retrieval service requires more than data processing expertise. It also requires an intellectual understanding of the information‐seeking behavior and needs of the users of the database in general, and users in the subject area in particular. Information professionals from outside the purely EDP area are requisite to support the technical analysis, design, and development of databases for online searching. For it is upon their broad‐based understanding, translated technically into access points, database and system features that any information retrieval service bases its successful operation. Database development, then, is the hub of the wheel in such a service, much as descriptive cataloging and subject classification are the intellectual underpinning of libraries, upon which all other services are based.
An observational study of man‐computer interaction using an online bibliographic information retrieval system
Authors: Baker Christine A. , Eason Kenneth D.
Published: January 2008

This article reports a preliminary investigation into the man‐computer interaction (m‐c‐i) aspects of online searching. It describes the methodology developed for observing and recording m‐c‐i in the use of online information retrieval systems. A brief analysis of the data obtained is also given, together with an assessment of the extent to which the goal of effective m‐c‐i is being achieved.
Teaching aids developed and used for education and training for online searching
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: January 2008

It is important that all those involved with education and training for online searching are aware of the teaching aids which have been produced and are used. This paper aims to provide some of this information by describing primarily aids which have been developed and are used within the UK schools of librarianship and information science; however aids which are used by other organisations in various parts of the world have also been included.
Command language ease of use: a comparison of DIALOG and ORBIT
Authors: Krichmar Albert
Published: January 2008

This paper examines results of a survey concerning online users' attitudes and perceptions of the ease of use and other factors of Lockheed's DIALOG and SDC's ORBIT command or query languages. Analysis of the results shows that, along with such factors as the number of files and system first learned, perceived ease of use of a command language is an important consideration in user preference for a given system, and therefore is one of the important reasons why most users prefer DIALOG.
Pascaline on Questel
Authors: Pelissier Denise
Published: January 2008

After a short description of the primary sources, the coverage, the file structure and the data elements of a PASCAL record, this article reviews how to search the database with MISTRAL software on QUESTEL, the French national host. It outlines with the help of simple search examples the software possibilities (truncation, mask, text searches …) and the loading parameters of the file (searchable fields, output formats …)
Factors affecting future online services
Authors: Clayton Audrey
Published: January 2008

Technological advances have resulted in the exponential growth of online services over the past few years and are predicted to provide ever‐increasing capabilities. However, social, economic and political factors will also influence the direction, extent and impact of such developments. Wise planners should consider the potential effects of both technological and non‐technological factors when major decisions must be made regarding information‐related commitments of time, effort and financial resources. This paper uses the example of bibliographic retrieval services to explore potential impacts upon areas of concern to the user of online services. Four types of influencing factors are addressed: the momentum already evident in historic usage trends; technological advances; actions/policies intended to enhance or control evolving services; and other social, economic and political developments which will affect future online capabilities.
Effects of online bibliographic searching on scientists' information style
Authors: Bayer Alan E. , Jahoda Gerald
Published: January 2008

Industrial and academic users of online bibliographic searching over a year's time did not generally diminish their amount of use of other traditional manual means of information gathering activities. However, in comparison to less frequent users and nonusers, frequent users increased their reliance on librarians. Online users increased their appraisal of the adequacy of information services available to them, particularly as regards those aspects generally considered the primary benefits of online searching. Users positively increased their assessment of the utility of online searches to their work, and online bibliographic searching capability was subsequently adopted as a permanent feature in both the industrial and academic work settings.
The management of online resources: problems and opportunities
Authors: Lewis D.A. , Adkins R.
Published: January 2008

This paper sets out some general views of online management. It considers the basic concept of management and the resources needed; then, how online services are managed within ICI. It reviews the implications for higher management of online, identifying some familiar problems and some opportunities which are there to be grasped. Finally, it looks at a recent development at ICI Plastics Division, termed Project Radius.
Overlap among environmental databases
Authors: Miller Betty
Published: January 2008

When the EPB (Environmental Periodicals Bibliography) file became available through DIALOG in 1978, it joined Enviroline and Pollution to become the third general environmental database online. From experience with the paper copies of the latter two files, I know that the overlap between them was not great, and that if I wanted a fairly comprehensive search, I had to search both files. I wondered if this were also true of the EPB file and decided to do some research on the subject.
Economies of online retrieval
Authors: Markee Katherine M.
Published: January 2008

The growth and usage of online information systems has resulted in institutions making statistical studies on the costs of providing this service to users. Vendors analyze their indirect and direct costs in making database services available. This paper deals with the economies of online retrieval costs to the institution as well as the end user. One cost factor on which little has been reported, due to a paucity of data, is the value of the time saved by the end user in having a computer search run. Information which indicates savings to the end user will be reported from evaluations of completed searches run by the Purdue University Library's Computer Based Information Service. To measure overall benefits, institutions should consider the volume of usage, system performance and effectiveness, user behavior and user satisfaction.
Financial aspects of information brokerage in Europe
Authors: Evers H. , Urbanek Z.
Published: January 2008

A study of the financial aspects of information brokerage in a European setting was made. Factors that influence the income and the expenditure of the broker are discussed in detail. The average costs of an online literature search under various conditions are presented in tabular form. Conditions under which a European information broker might be financially independent are indicated.
Databases in the marine sciences
Authors: Starr Susan S.
Published: January 2008

The serial coverage and indexing policies of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Oceanic Abstracts, Biosis, and Georef were compared. Analyses indicated considerable overlap in serial sources in marine biology for ASFA, Oceanic Abstracts, and Georef. Biosis appeared to include the largest amount of material relevant to marine biology and Georef the largest relevant to marine geology. Oceanic Abstracts and Georef provided the most extensive general subject indexing, Biosis the most complete taxonomic indexing, and ASFA and Georef the easiest systems for geographic retrieval.
Online Information Retrieval Bibliography
Authors: Hawkins Donald T.
Published: January 2008

This is the fifth annual update of the bibliography that was published as a supplement to the first issue of Online Review. It is also the second update of the concatenated bibliography that contained the original issue plus the first updates.
Important items in the database: an investigation of two methods of identification
Authors: Hurt CD.
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the problem of selectivity within the database and, in particular, the problem of identification of important literature. An examination was conducted on literature in a specific scientific area, quantum mechanics, identified as important using two means of selection. Four histories of quantum mechanics were examined and the references each author used were analysed. The second means of selecting important literature was a bibliometric analysis, using citation frequency literature spanning the years prior to 1937. Specific characteristics of the literature were examined as well as overall association between pairs of ranks in the two files. A gamma test of association was employed, producing an observed value interpreted as non‐significant and indicating no association between the ranks of references in the two files. Lack of association implies statistical independence. In the case of the specific attributes, the literature was examined for predictive ability. In all cases, the particular attributes showed no symmetric predictive ability. The results of this investigation have some impact in the online database area, specifically with respect to the selection and retention of items within a database.