| Author (Person) | Hudson, Grace |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Chadwyck-Healey Ltd |
| Series Title | Developments in European Information Issues |
| Publication Date | August 1999 |
| ISSN | 0264-7362 |
| Content Type | Overview |
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Lexis-Nexis Lexis-Nexis has launched a new pay-as-you-go web interface to offer access to their widening range of European materials. For those who are not necessarily frequent searchers this is a welcome alternative to laying out a large subscription in advance and struggling with an unfamiliar command language. The intention is that with the help of search tips minimal training should be required. Evidence of the command language is still there in the construction of searches but there is on-screen context-sensitive help available. Charging is to be based on individual searches where only each new search query and not its subsequent refinement is charged for. If speed is a concern it is possible to have a dial-in connection but still use the web interface so the full functionality of the web version is available without slower access. The screen looks initially rather fussy but does offer a wide range of simple options to enable precise searches to be specified. For a UK audience the American terminology 'segment' for 'field' is not immediately clear. However, pull-down menus clarify what is available and there are excellent features such as the 'focus' option where a search can be refined but the original set always remains available to return to and refine in an alternative way if necessary. Considerable thought has been given to options such as specifying all capitals only. In coping with EU programmes with acronyms such as NOW, this does much to cut out irrelevant results. Most frequently used sources are listed for selection to enable quick access but there are full lists of all sources searchable, grouped by country or region, and by type of material. Various options are offered to print or download. The 'favourites' facility allows users to save searches to update and a 'more like this' feature is being further developed to permit users to select from a dialogue box and specify which aspect of their hits they wish to pursue. The interface is still under development and user feedback is being actively sought, probably until around the end of the year, before a new version is released. Free one week trials are available so if you want to take up the opportunity contact: Lexis-Nexis Europe |
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| Subject Categories | Culture, Education and Research |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
