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The Answer Machine And Direct Connect: Do-It-Yourself Searc
Telebase Systems Inc. (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) has developed a do-it-yourself online searching system, called the Answer Machine, for use in public and academic libraries. Using the system, over 900 databases can be accessed through the services of more than 12 databanks. The EasyNet software acts...
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Published in: | Online (Weston, Conn.) Conn.), 1988-09, Vol.12 (5), p.13 |
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Main Author: | |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Telebase Systems Inc. (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) has developed a do-it-yourself online searching system, called the Answer Machine, for use in public and academic libraries. Using the system, over 900 databases can be accessed through the services of more than 12 databanks. The EasyNet software acts as the telecommunications interface, providing menus, help screens, and other kinds of user interface. Users of Answer Machine are charged $7.50 per search, even if the search results in unwanted records due to a typographical error or a mistake in searching. Extra fees are charged for printing more than 10 records and for printing abstracts. The Answer Machine was beta tested at the University of Pennsylvania free of charge for users. One problem for academic users is that the EasyNet software hides from users much of what it is doing and does not allow users to combine sets and perform other sophisticated techniques of online searching. An advantage of the Answer Machine is the ease with which it routes users from one database server to another and from one database to another. |
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ISSN: | 0146-5422 2324-9706 |