In the preceding two papers, the following were mentioned ; 1. Searchers will realize their limitations after making improvement in their retrieval techniques, 2. Searchers should ask information brokers for better results in some cases. In this paper, possible improvement in retrieval techniques is described. Eight functions of the retrieval system are available through the EXPERT system. By example of actual retrieval, the usage of these eight functions is explained in four stages from acceptance of request to delivery of results. By showing the results of a literature search obtained by retrieval using EXPERT system, the author shows how the EXPERT system could improve information retrieval techniques.

View full abstract

Japan Information Center of Science and Technology (JICST) has started the on-line service of JICST Crystal Structure Database (JICST CR) in this January (1990). This database provides the information of atomic positions in a crystal and related informations of the crystal. The database system and the crystal data in JICST CR are outlined in this manuscript.

View full abstract

The Japan Information Center of Science and Technology (JICST) has started the on-line service of JICST/NRIM Materials Strength Database for Engineering Steels and Alloys (JICST ME) in this March (1990). This database has been developed under the joint research between JICST and the National Research Institute for Metals (NRIM). It provides material strength data (creep, fatigue, etc.) of engineering steels and alloys. It is able to search and display on-line, and to analyze the searched data statistically and plot the result on graphic display. The database system and the data in JICST ME are described.

View full abstract

Grey literature has attracted public attention, as it was stated in "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in Research and Development in Science and Technology". We define it as follows: 1) Open to the public, 2) Hard to obtain because it is not distributed through ordinary distribution channels. Grey literature includes a variety of documents such as technical reports published by public organs, journals by nonprofit organs and universities, conference proceedings and preprints by academic societies, and theses by researchers. Each literature has information which is not available from other sources and is valuable in this sense. Nevertheless, it takes much manpower and time to collect them. JICST, NDL and NACSIS regard grey literature as very important, and are now focusing on collecting and disseminating it to researchers.

View full abstract