Use of Dialog Bluesheets

 

Whereas general Dialog protocol applies to all databases, the bluesheets offer guidelines in the use of individual files. They also provide a more background information about these files than is available through the Dialog Database Catalogue. Any searcher who wishes to achieve optimum accuracy and efficiency in a Dialog session should consult the applicable bluesheet prior to logging on.

 

Sections:

File Description

Subject Coverage

Sources

Dialog File Data

Origin (producer)

Sample Record

Search Options
  1. Basic Index
  2. Additional Indexes
  3. Limiting
Format Options (used with "Type" command)

Direct Record Access

 

 Prefix Symbols:

Represent additional indexes beyond the Basic (subject) Index. Typical examples (these is some degree of variance between databases):

AT= Article Type

AU= Author

JN= Journal Name

BN= International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

DC= Descriptor Code

ED= Edition

LA= Language

LC= Library of Congress (LC) Card Numbe

PD= Publication Date

PN= Product Name

PU= Publisher

PY= Publication Year

SE= Series Title

UD= Update

Examples: SS AU=HEMINGWAY; SS AU=HERSHEY, ROBERT?;

SS PY=1982; PY=1982:1985

 

 Format Options:

Must be consulted prior to employing the "Type" command. Refer to the portion of the record desired by the searcher. Vary from one database to another. Typically designated format numbers:

1 - DIALOG Accession Number

3 - Bibliographic Reference

5 - Full Record (numbers 7 and/or 9 in some files)

6 - Title Only

8 - Title and Indexing Terms

 Example: T 6/5/1-5 (requests online printout of full record of the five most recently published entries from set number 6 of current database search)