ABSTRACT

SUMMARY. The introduction of technology into library information systems has provided new and enhanced search powers in the following areas: the speed of searching large individual and federated databases, keyword access, access to value-added metadata, customized interfaces (that relieve the burden of difficult techniques for sophisticated options), combinatorics for citation and semantic analysis, post-search relevancy analysis, release from the cost recovery scenario, and smart agent assistance. These advances save time, provide new research possibilities, and create new data relationships and research areas. However, there are still many areas in which improvements are needed: filters for handling information overload, cross-database searching standards, subject schema normalization, and balancing the need for subject-specific customization and cross-disciplinary standardization. Regardless of the technological advances, there will always be a need for critical thinking skills in order to perform an adequate research search. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com]