Developments in European information issues: Networks and relays – Services – Products, June 1999

ECLAS

A new version of ECLAS, the database of the Commission Libraries, has been launched. ECLAS Pro is available in addition to the basic ECLAS version and contains some useful advanced features for more sophisticated searching of the database. It is now possible to review previous searches and combine them as required with Boolean operators. The search order can also be specified by selecting the bracketing options desired. The current search can be refined, and previous queries can be saved with a profile name. A future development of this facility will be the opportunity to mark a profile as a current awareness profile with the ability to generate notification by e-mail of relevant new references which match its specification. At present to create a profile, conduct the search then click on the Previous Searches button where you will be given the option to save your search. You will then be asked to name it. To run your profile again, select the Previous Searches button and click on View Profiles then on the name of the profile you want to run. Unwanted profiles can also be deleted from this page.

In order to take advantage of the profiles feature, users have to register for a password as with for example the RAPID database. User names already obtained for another Commission database, such as RAPID, will work for ECLAS so avoiding an accumulation of different passwords. Direct access without registration remains an option for users who do not require the additional features. Access ECLAS at http://europa.eu.int/eclas/