Information Retrieval by Using Electronic Databases

• Author: Barsan, I.M.
• Position: Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 257-262

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series VII: Social Sciences • Law • Vol. 6 (55) No. 2 - 2013

INFORMATION RETRIEVAL BY USING

ELECTRONIC DATABASES

Ionela M. BÂRSAN1

Abstract: The retrieval of scientific information can be carried out by

searching, browsing or both combined. Selecting the right searching

variant to obtain information specific to a particular field of research

depends, among other factors, on the type of information needed by a

particular user. This article will explore the three different approaches

for obtaining information, along with their features and applications:

simple and advanced searching, browsing, searching and browsing.

Key words: Information Literacy, information retrieval, searching,

browsing.

1 Transilvania University of Brasov.

1. Preamble

The information retrieval (IR) operation

is performed through information retrieval

systems. As early as the 1950s, various

types of information retrieval systems were

developed in order to meet various needs.

Online systems, CD-ROM systems

(Compact Disc Read-Only Memory),

online public access catalogues (OPAC)

and Internet information search systems

are the four main categories of systems

which have helped to meet the need for

information retrieval tools.

2. Online information retrieval systems

Online systems allow the user, by using

the computer and the single request is not

processed immediately, but later, when a

certain number of requests is gathered),

and it was only later that real-time

interaction between the user and the

system was introduced. As early as 1996,

Professor Trudi Bellardo Hahn made a

detailed presentation of the pioneers

involved in the development of online

systems. (Hahn, 1996) Afterwards, in

2003, along with engineer Charles Percy

Bourne, head of the development team of

Dialog Information Services Inc. wrote

several articles on the development of

electronic systems between 1963 and 1976.

(Bourne, 2003) After the progress and

improvements made in the 1950s,

electronic systems have become, in the

digital age, a well-defined group of IR

systems.

2.1. OPAC systems

Online public access catalogues

(OPACs) are a form of traditional

catalogues telecommunications

technology, to research remote databases.

Initially, systems only operated in batch

mode (i.e. a, but achieved in a different

way. (Malinconico, 1984) Prior to 1980,

there were only a few attempts, such as the

Ohio State University’s Library Control