In Reference...

SilverPlatter Releases Internet-based Service

Search by Search, SilverPlatter's new Internet-based database service, adds resources to your library's collection without the cost of additional annual subscriptions. Designed to complement existing information services using the familiar WebSPIRS interface, it provides immediate access to a growing list of databases while charging you only for the searches you conduct and the records you view. Search by Search pricing is based on a search charge as well as a charge for each record viewed from the search results.

Features include the ability to identify which databases contain your search term before you search; cross-database searching for efficiency; no-charge browsing of index and database-specific thesaurus to help pinpoint searching terms; true phrase searching with "near" operator implementation to eliminate false hits; free-text, boolean and prolixity searching; and truncation.

With Search by Search, you do not have to sign up for specific databases. You have access to SilverPlatter's entire Search by Search collection on an as-needed basis, paying only for what you use. The collection includes AGRICOLA, ERIC, MEDLINE Advanced, Wilson Business Abstracts and 56 more databases. Contact Karen Graham for the full list of databases and other information on Search by Search.

UMI Databases Discounted

Receive 15 percent off when you order two or more of SilverPlatter's UMI databases through BCR. This offer, available on new orders only, is effective through December 31. Silver- Platter's UMI databases include Newspaper Abstracts, Dissertation Abstracts, Periodical Abstracts Research II Edition including full text and ABI/INFORM Global including full text. Contact BCR for your discount or to obtain a free trial.

PsycLIT Available with Hard-disk Access

Beginning January 1998, SilverPlatter's PsycLIT customers can choose hard-disk access to PsycLIT, and PsycLIT will include the new Historic PsycINFO file with references from 1887 to 1966 chronicling the early stages of psychology. In addition, PsycLIT's component journal and book databases will be integrated into one database with full thesaurus functionality. New prices, not yet available, will take effect with January 1998 renewals and new orders.

1998 Books In Print Windows Only

Bowker's Books In Print with Book Reviews Plus database will operate only in Windows (3.1 or higher) beginning with the January 1998 discs. The DOS database will no longer be available. The 1998 database also is a two-disc product. It requires either two CD-ROM drives to operate or enough space on your hard drive to load the database. Contact Karen Graham with questions.

(For questions or to subscribe to any reference database -- CD-ROM, online or Internet-accessible -- contact BCR's Jim Hensinger or Karen Graham or call (800) 397-1552.