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Abstract
The online searching function in the Bell Laboratories Library Network is described. A "hybrid" mode is used, with both centralized and local service being provided. Online searching has brought about many changes in the areas of information retrieval patterns, communications, training, marketing, and dissemination of search results. Statistical data for the years 1975-79 are given. The number of searches grew from 257 in 1974 to 5,747 in 1979. Average search time decreased from 39 minutes in 1974 to 128 minutes in 1979; average search cost decreased from $40.20 to $15.17 in the same time period. The list of heavily used databases remained remarkably stable.