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Volume 8, Issue 3 • Winter 1987 • DIALOG Information Services, Inc.
DIALOG MEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM ARE CHAMPIONS!!
From L to R starting with back raw: rim Reck, Duke Swtnson, Bob H o u i c , D i m : ) ] Slcpp, D j n WHoox, Shelby Douglas. Roger M i l l , Tony I'l'iru, lit. Litdeiias D i n Cuilin, Lou Minos, Edwin Colon, John Sunkarik, Jim D u l l i g h i n , Sun Skudn n k i and M i r k Dooley. Dialog mascots ire scattered throughout.
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ix years of invincible staying power has finally paid off! Through game after game of winning but not quite enough, at last the DIALOG Men's Softball team havealot to be happy about. They say they felt like winners when they put on their brand new DIALOG Softball uniforms just acquired this season. The ti-am hoped getting their uniforms would give them two more wins over last year. Not only did it get them two more wins but they advanced to the playoffs with only two losses. After competing Igatiut 30 Lockheed teams, our DIALOG team won the championship.
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Whether it be outstanding performance, new uniforms or a combination thereof, our Softball team has had a great season thanks to a 17 man roster consisting of: Laz Cardenas, Edwin Colon, Mark Dooley, Jim Dullaghan, manager, Dan Cuilin, Roger Hall, Bob Hoxsie, Lou Manos, Rob Robinson, Stan Skudneski, Darrell Slcpp, and Duke Swenson, Tony Pema (Joe's brother), Tim Reck (Kim's husband), Shelby Douglas (Corky's husband), John Senkarik, (Regan's husband), and Dan Wilcox (Ronda's husband) complete the list. Last but not least we cannot forget to mention the team spirit of Daniel Guilin Jr. and Brian Wilcox (Dan's and Ronda's respective little boys), who performed brilliantlv as DIALOG mascots. (Winter 1987) 1
Cathy Gordon Wins Second Place in EPOCH'S Recipe Contest Epoch Food Services, Inc., the people who bring you fuel for survival every day, reoentlv hrl.l their fifth annual recipe contest. Eighty companies from all over Silicon Valley submitted recipes and our very own KNOWLEDGE INDEX Project Manager. Cathy Cordon, won second place fur her Herbed Citrus Chicken Recipe. Cathy's prize of a ten-speed bicycle, was enthusiastically accepted -until she was faced with the challenge of putting it together! The dishes were judged for originality, ease of preparation, cost to prepare, and popularity. Cathy's dish placed #1 in the ease of preparation categorv and #2 for popularity. Cathy remarked that she was glad that her dish was run on a Monday as opposed to a Friday when most people go out to lunch, lo obtain the best percentage possible in the popularity category. Intel Corporation came in first place, with another chicken recipe, this time made by a male. Third place was won with a Western Meatloaf; the fourth place entry (Cringo Tamale Pie), ironically scored highest on popularity but low on ease of preparation, and fifth place went to a Turkey Oriental dish. EPOCH services the bay area with 36 cafeterias and two executive dining rooms, They have an on-site chef at the SKI dining room.
Sarah Ambagan (Epoch), Cathy Gordon, and Barnd bra-tea also of Epoch.
Employee Guide to VM
If you haven't yet seen it. you should know that there is a great new manual for learning to use VM Mail that was prepared by Michelle Frost ul Customer Services. Called the "Employee Guide to VM," the manual not only covers the how-to-do-il features for sending, receiving and maintaining mail files, but also includes an introductory tutorial for using the SCRIPT document editing and formatting capabilities.
Here's the recipe for all to enjoy:
Herbed Citrus Chicken with Carrots
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I tenp flour sail and freshly ground pepper 1 boned chicken bceast, skinned and cut in bite-sited piece* 1 ' '. 2 sink) butter ur margarine
1-2 medium carrots, cut into julienne strips
2 tablespoons tri-sh lemon juice I taNrspnon fri^i orange juice 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Combine flour, sail and pepper in paper bag. Add chicken in small batches and shake gently to coat. Melt butler in heavy -killi-l. Add chicken and ramrtv Inra-ase heat tu medium-high and cook. Mitring constantly, until chicken jukes run clrar when pricked with fork, about jÂť-!i minutes. (1 also check the carrots to make sure they are tender.) Add lemon, orange juice, and rosemary and air 2 minutes. Sprinkle with panvley and serve. 2 servings
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(Winter 1987)
Whether you are a new DIALOG employee trying to cope with the electronic way people communicate at DIALOG, or an "old timer" who wants to know if there are any tricks that you may not have picked up on your own, the Guide is a valuable reference work that includes useful examples throughout. Copies of the Guide can be requested from Sydnie Smith in Human Resources. Call Sydnie at X4001 or send a VM mail message to SSMITH.
MONOLOG
Classmate Videotape Leads to M A Degree Liz. Burkhousc, DIALOG'S Instructional Media Specialist, has been a very busy person for the last two years. While working full time, she has been pursuing her master's degree in Instructional Technology at San Jose State University. Her thesis project was to design and produce an instructional videotape. Liz, of course, had manv subjects to choose from at DIALOG and decided to prepare a videotape to be used as an introduction to the DIALOG CLASSMATE program. The tape is part of a complete package for the high school teacher: student workbook, teacher's manual, overhead transparency masters, and the videotape. The tape, called "Introduction to CLASSMATE," runs about 10 minutes and is made from 35mm slides which have been transferred to a video format with a narrative. Liz prepared the script and storyboard and worked with Ewert's Productions for the audiotrack and taping. Several DIALOG staff members helped out: Dale Smith appears as the monk in the early days of information dissemination, and later as a businessman swamped with information. Alice Lewis was :he photographer and graphic artist for the project. Kathy Welder edited the script and proofed copy for the graphics.
Now that the videotape is finished, and her degree is almost in hand, Liz is ready to tackle even more projects for DIALOG. If you would like to see the Classmate videotape, you can check out a copy from Instructional Services. Call Liz at extension 7043.
l.i/ Burkhous*
Drexel University Makes an About-Face to Dialog Four years ago Drexel University began a program that required all research-major freshmen to take online searching courses. Each student was given six software packages and training/access to an online retrieval service. Unfortunately, the service chosen was BRS. Earh freshman was given BRS training in a required research course and was encoura n d to use BRS in the Macintosh Lab, in the library, or in their individual dorm rooms. The Macintosh Lab contains 25 workstations equipped with modems, and the library offers both a "vending machine" search station and mediated searching via reference librarians.
MONOI.OG
For several reasons, including inflexible BRS invoicing and little choice of humanities databases via BRS, Drexel has decided to do an about-face from BRS to DIALOG'S CLASSMATE program. They were especially impressed with the curriculum material developed to support CLASSMATE. But that's not all, they have also decided to cancel their TELEN ET con• tract and will install a DIALNET node in December of '87! Drexel was also impressed by the demo of Apple's new HyperCard, and would like to use this new software to access DIALOG Kl While this application is not currently offered via the HyperCard, Fred Zappert, Director of the Advanced Technology De%relopment group, has indicated a willingness to make this possible.
Drexel has an extensive Macintosh programming staff consisting of 20+ people and has developed a simulator for BRS to encourage student training/reinforcement. Drexel, with support from Anne Caputo, is currently engaged in development of a Macintosh-based CLASSMATE Kl simulator for release in the Fall of 19S8. All this has come about because of the hard work and determination put forth by people like Anne Caputo, Director of the CLASSMATE Program, who started the wheels turning, Veronica Corchado of Marketing for her efforts toward a successful sale, and Dan Pritchard of Systems and Operations for his expertise on the telecommunications end. Congratulations on such a significant accomplishment! (Winter 19!>7) 3
The Customer Service Phone Center "What database is the best one to use to locate information on federal regulations? *How do I locate information that will identify U.S. embassies in foreign countries? •Where can I get a list of companies that make yo-yos? These arc just a few of the more than 500 All members of Customer Services take inquiries that come into the Customer Ser- their turn answering calls in the Phone vices Phone Center daily. Staffed 24 hours Center. Working on the phones requires Monday through Fnday and part of Satur- detailed knowledge of all of DIALOG'S day and Sunday, Customer Services pro- services: DIALOG itself, KNOWLEDGE vides assistance to DIALOG'S more than INDEX, DIALMAIL, DIALOG Business 80.000 customers who call on the 800-3- Connection. DIALOG Medical Connection, DIALOGLINK, and OnDisc, plus all D1ALOG Customer Assistance line. the special features that go with these serCalls are received around the clock, most vices such as ORDER. REPORT, MAP, of them coming during the peak hours CROSSTAB, and OneSearch. In addition, that correspond to the Past Coast work it is essential to know as much about the day. Handling the calls at peak times re- 300-plus databases as possible; and it quires anywhere from four to six people doesn't hurt to also be PC literate, as many on the phones simultaneously. During the customers call with questions about their daytime, questions are likely to be about equipment. New staff members in Cusanything concerning DIALOG services, tomer Services go through a considerable training period in order to become familiar products, in databases I In evenings with all of our many products and serbring the bulk of the KNOWLEDGE vices; it normally takes two months or INDEX user calls - the time correspondmore before a new employee begins to ing with the system availability. The wee answer the phones alone. And, every hours of the morning tend to attract callers month, as new files and products are from a variety of places outside the U.S. added to DIALOG, the list of things to -- from Europe and the bar bast -- as well learn for a new employee gets longer and as from local U.S. insomniacs. DIALMAIL longer. is encouraged for our customers abroad: our swing and graveyard shift staff check the CUSTSERV mailbox every hour between 5:00PM and 6:00AM to give speedy service during the European and Pacific Rim business davs.
We invite you to drop by next time you're on the second floor of Building 920, to gel a glimpse of the CS Phone Center in action. Do remember, however, that the staff in the Phone Center are there for our customers •• all 80,000 of them.
Don Schaaf Reaches the 25-Year Mark!
Don Schaaf, Manager of Interna] Services, completed the twenty-fifth year of his wide-ranging career with Lockheed on October |. Don began his career as a supervisor in the Finance Department at Lockheed with 30 people under him. He started working at Dialog in 1973. Don oversees numerous projects simultaneously and is hard to locate and comer for an interview. However, through dogged persistence, Monolog reporters were successful in snagging him for a brief interview, excerpts of which follow: Don Setuif m his favorite pose
Monolog:
Don, did you think you would stay with one company for 25 years?
Schaaf:
\Y,
Monolog:
Over the years, what is the most difficult challenge Dialog has presented?
Schaaf:
1 couldn't envision so many problems,.,if 1 didn't have Sonia I wouldn't be here. Dialog is, uh, a dynamically intense company that thrives on change. The biggest challenge is finding room for new employees and equipment. The most awkward problem is trying to put a smoker and a non-smoker together in a small box.
Monolog:
Don, everyone in Building 920 wants to know—what is the deal with the toilets? They're always d o w n .
Schaaf:
Well, they are pre-Industrial Revolution. They are low-bidder toilets. We spend S60 a week on plunging.
Monolog:
What was your most harrowing experience at Dialog?
Schaaf:
Yes, every Christmas for ten years we worked over the holidays to install a new computer. It had to be u p and running by midnight December 31 - for tax purposes. It was always a big job taking out the old equipment and getting the new stuff in. O n e year we came very close to not making it, (At this point, Don describes the terrifying close major failure. Something about two motors with chilled water that were wired wrong, the impeller blades u n s p u n and the shaft ate the threads u p . , . Monolog notes are fuzzy on technical details. Anyway, it was late afternoon and Don had to drive to Oakland to get replacement parts before the store closed at 5 pm. H e m a d e it just in the nick of time and the computer installation was signed off by IBM before midnight!)
Monolog:
Whew!
At this point, Monolog ends the interview as Don's p h o n e is ringing incessantly and people are lining u p outside his office.
MONOLOG
(Winter 1987) 5
Dialog in the Field Piloting 13 states, encompassing three zip code ranges, DIALOG'S "Windy Qty" (Chicago) office staff must travel a lot in their daily pursuit of keeping our many customer* happy. Jan Sykes travels to Cincinnati about twice a month to visit with our Procter and Gamble account, conduct training, solve problems, run internal tradeshows, etc. 1 k*r hcrculear. efforts in what we call the Account Executive Program have had impact on the new Priority Service. Ann Lee has recently been to the "land down under" (Australia), to deliver a paper that she and Martin Buerger wrote entitled "Front-End Services for Business Databases." Ron Kaniinecki has stuck closer to home, involving himself in local and regional activities >.uih as ser\ ing as a member of the NISO Z-39 committee responsible for the development of a standard Common Command Language for Information Retrieval Systems. Ron feels this standard, pending peer review, may have a major effect on how we do business,
The southern side of California (Lot Angeles office), has also been involved in the Mini-UPDATEs. Prcceeding the Online Conference in Anaheim, Amy Greenwood, (L.A.), Joy Park (Arlington), and George Plosker (L.A.) presented the UPDATE Refresher and three DIALOG Focus Sessions to over 60 attendees, l.ibby Trudcll (Palo Alto), presented a DIALOG Directions talk over lunch. George Plosker gave a presentation to the Southern California Online Users Group (SCOUG) on "Breakthroughs In Training: New Technologies, New Audiences, New Concepts." The talk dealt with using DIALOG products for in-house training of end users.
Dialog Installs a New Water Tower
In mid September two new 1,350 lb. air gallons per day. As a result DIALOG conconditioners were installed. When up and sumes enough water throughout the year running these babies weigh 3,300 lbs. It to fill a swimming pool the size of a footOn the lighter side of business, Ron shares took a huge crane, a crew of about eight ball field eight feet deepwith US an interesting story he luuid men, and lots of space to maneuver this while training a group of chemists at Dow- precious cargo onto the roof of building Why does DIALOG need more air conditioners? Coming in Midland, MI. One of the PhDs 580. Our increased workload was taking the was an avid runner known for finishing a Marathon even though during the run What is a water tower and what does present air conditioning system above the 105% performance level. In other words, a squirrel-hunter's bullet hit him in the Dialog use one for? head. It wasn't until he collapsed at the Briefly, it is a system that acts as a medium they were working too hard for the load end of the race that officials found the .22 ..•I e>... h.w.ge between hoi and cold, ii lakes they were receiving. caliber bullet lodged in his head. The years water, at the rate of 645 gallons a minute, of developing the mind to the PhD level through a self-circulating network that What would happen if they broke down? MUST build up high resistance levels to cools the heat created from Dialog's com- Heat would begin to build at the rate of puters and disk drives hard at work. This approximately five degrees per minute, the exterior! action takes place constantly. Even which would mean a build-up SO rapid Members of the Southwest Regional Of- though the system is recirculating the the system would overload at detriment fice (I louston) have been very busy bring- water, it is evaporating at the rate of 7,500 to the equipment. Thank goodness for Cal Air Technology! ing DIALOG and the national UPDATE to the regional level. Tina Byrne, Phyllis Warrington, and Joyce Camp held DIALOG Preview sessions in both Denver and Dallas with a record attendance of 40 people in each location. They have also hosted two Mini-UPDATFS in the same _. cities with at least 70 participants in Dallas 1 Mff^ and 50 in Denver. The Mini-UPDATFS are iaiv ' an attempt to bring DIALOG national • ^ JILJHP events to the regional level (since net all ' * L: > users are able to travel to our major events) and to distribute further much of the material that is created for the national UPDATE. Jun Conley welcomes the new air conditioner-water tower
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(Winter 1987)
MONOLOG
Smiling New Faces, All in Their Places . . . Ricardo Adriano is a new Data Communications Specialist. He assists in the monitoring and troubleshooting of all DIALNETdigital, dial-up and pro- I cessors. Prior to arriv- I ing at Dialog, he was Project Coordinator (or McDonnell DougI.IK field Service Group. He supervised the installation of TYMNET Datacootmunications equipment for the western region. Ricardo earned a B.S. degree from Dc LaSalle University, Philippines, and has attended TYMNET data communications classes. Ricardo enjoys playing basketball, football, and volleyball. He is also a mechanic and makes high performance
modifications on cars. Catherine A slit on is a Product Analyst in the Business Information Division. She is responsible for the development and management of Dialog financial databases and databases targeted to the Pinancial Planning market segment. Catherine has five years of experience in Marketing Research and Planning in financial services. Most recently, she was Manager of Marketing Research and Information for Citicorp Savings of California (based in Oakland). She has also worked for Sears/Allstate Financial products where she was responsible for product development of the Sears Discover Card. Catherine holds a B.S. in Psychology from State University of New York and an M.B.A. from Syracuse University. She enjoys travel, swimming, and reading.
She has an M.L.S. from UCLA and has worked teaching English in Japan and at the UCLA School of Management doing research in the areas of computer and intormation systems. Prior to joining Dialog, she did consulting work for the UCLA Bruin.
In his spare time Rick enjoys playing baseball and volleyball. 1 le collects stamps and a variety of sports memorabilia. He also enjoys playing the guitar, hand crafting, and academic subjects. He is a member of the LERA Ceramics Club.
Jean Bedord is a Product Analyst in the Business Information Division. She is responsible for product and industry databases. Prior to coming to Dialog, she worked at Syva/Syntex Diagnostics, Atari, National Advanced Systems, and Washington State University. She earned an M.B.A. degree from the University of Santa Clara and a Masters degree in Anthropology (specializing in Plains Archaeology) from the University of Wyoming.
Joan Francis is an Application.-. Programmer. Currently, she is working on convcr sion programs for DIAI.OGI files and some DIALOG2 files. Joan earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of South Carolina. While attending school, she worked in the University database group. She enjoys snow skiing in the winter, swimming in the summer, and traveling during any season of the vear.
Jeanie Frascr is a StuTeresa Castcel is a dent Intern in Cusnew Tape Ubrarian. tomer Services. Her Terry was born and primary concentration raised in Northern is on helping customCalifornia. She and ers who call in on the her husband enjoy hotline. Jeanie has bowling and play on been a librarian in the State National S>; academic, public and Team, with an average *special libraries. Most recently, she of 174. Terry worked as a hairstylist for worked at Hewlett-Packard in their cussix years. tomer services division and at a small public library in the Colorado Rockies. She earned a H \ f m Li. .it 5tnta ii..it-.:r.i and an M.L.S. in Reference from UCLA. Rick Collins is an ApJeanie says it took her 8 years to gel her plications ProgramB. A. degree and 3 years to get her M.L.S. mer. Kick has rejoined -- so, at the moment, she is enjoying NOT Dialog after a six-year being a student! She has been a supporter absence to pursue a of the San Francisco Zoo for ten years and Ph.D. in Philosophy at will soon begin docent training. She is a the University of Conswimmer and a noontime walker. necticut. He has a B.S. I in Mathematics/Com- ^ ^ • f puter Science from UCLA and an M.A. in Amy Greenwood is Alexandra Bash has Philosophy from the University of Con- the new Regional Repjoined the Dialog staff necticut. Rick is still pursuing his Ph.D. resentative in the as a Customer SerHe is responsible for writing new file con- Dialog Los Angeles oJ vices Information version programs, fixing file problems, hce, and will be inSpecialist. Her reand maintaining file-loading procedures volved in a broad sponsibilities include and programs. He also documents exist- range of customer customer support for ing programs and procedures and writes support Dialog CDROM and activities. new file-loading programs. other software-based Amy comes to Dialog **•* products. Previously, Alex was an intern Before joining DIALOG Rick worked as a from BRS, where she served as Represenin the Customer Services Department. Systems Analyst for C.L. Collins Corp. in tative tor the Western Region. Prior to Long Beach. MONOI.OC
(Winter 1987) 7
Smiling New Faces, All in Their Places that, she was a Systems Analyst for SDC. Amy has a B.A. in Political Science from UC at Santa Barbara and an M.I..S. from UCLA. She enjoys travel and photography. Catherine Hall is a new Account Clerk in the Finance Department. She handles all relumed mail for issuance of refunds, deactivation of accounts, identifies delinquent accounts undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, and handles customer correspondence and/or phone inquiries. Catherine attended the University of New Mexico, studying Nursing/Pharmacy. She has studied General Education at DeAnza College as well and plans to return to enhance her financial skills in the near future. Catherine worked as a bookkeeper for a restaurant prior to moving here from New Mexico. She also worked as a temporary employee for a total of six months, holding customer service, payroll, and secretarial positions for various companies. Catherine actually grew up in the Bay Area but has spent the past ten years traveling all over the world. Her ventures include Europe, Canada, Hawaii, and New Mexico. Catherine enjoys running, cycling, and skiing. Judy Hunter is Executive Secretary to Richard Ream, VP of Marketing & Customer Services. She supports Rich in various aspect! of Market- • ing including sped a I I marketing projects, Mini-Updates here and abroad and the new Priority Service program. Further job responsibilities include handling correspondence and travel arrangements and coordinating meetings. Prior to joining DIALOG, Judy was secretary to the Director of Marketing at Lockheed Data Plan in Los Gatos. At Data Plan she was responsible for sales'marketing support, marketing communications, and trade shows and reports.
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(Winter 1987)
Judy is a fifth generation Californian bom in San Francisco. When she finds time away from DIALOG and her three teenagers --in- enjoj • traveling most ot «D- Hei joumeys have taken her to tropical places such as Bora Bora, Tahiti, Hawaii and Mexico. She has also been to Europe including East Germany and Czechoslovakia. When Judy is not traveling she loves to play golf, scuba dive, ski and play tournament puddle tennis. She is also active in the Los Gatos Fox Hunting Club. Judy loves to sew and makes many of her clothes.
for Comae Mailing House for six years and also worked for International Courier Company. She is an avid water skiier, pianist, and is interested in television production. She is a newlywed-April was married last April!
Susan LaChance is a Student Intern in Customer Services. She answers the 800 hotline and assists DIALOG users with search questions, often referring them to the appropriate file Katherine Inwood is a specialist. She also works on credits, new Data Processor. documentation, and product testing. BeShe works weekend fore coming to Dialog, she worked as a swing shift. Her reReference Intern at Sinclair and 1 lamilton sponsibilities include Libraries at the University of Hawaii. She running programs !o earned a B.A. in History from the Univerupdate files and fixing sity of Connecticut and an M.L.S. from programs. Shi' has the University of Hawaii. Susan enjoys wonted as computer movies, camping, bike riding, and music. operator and weekend swingshift supervisor at Memorex. She also worked at San She has made videos for the Community Jose Slate as an Instructional Assistant Access Cable Station in Hawaii. teaching students to debug programs. Kathy is currently attending San Jose State Len Murray is a new and expects to graduate May '88 with a Contracts AdminisB.S. in Industrial Technology-Computer trator. Prior to joining Science and Electronics. I ler hobbies in- DIALOG, Len gained clude reading, scuba diving, cooking, and extensive experience race car driving. at Kaiser Aluminum as a Purchasing and Contract AdministraLonnie Johnson is a tion Manager. He also Student Intern in Marbrings with him extensive system design keting. I le answers experience in his field. He has a B.S. dethe 800 phone line, gree from the University of San Francis u. processes daily and Len enjovs golf, fishing, woodworking, monthly phone center and reading. reports, and assists in telemarketing monthly campaigns. -' Judith Pearson is an Lonnie has worked for Logitech Com- Information Specialist puter Company and SLAC. He attended in Customer Services. UC Santa Cruz. His outside interests in- She responds to cusclude non-aquatic sports and music. tomer phone calls, resolves offline print problems, and assists April Kelsey is Supercustomers with DIALvisor for Central SerMAIL. Judith has been vices. She manages a school librarian, manager of a computer the mailing houses for company library/information center, and literature distribution, a research associate with Information on is responsible for the Demand. She received a B.S. in Educamail room, and antion, from Portland State University, in swers customer inOregon and continued graduate studies quiries. April worked
MONOLOG
Smiling New Faces, All in Their Places . at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also has an M.L.S. from the University of Denver. Judith enjoys outdoor activities — hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing. She also likes reading and travel-
Daja Phillips is a Marketing Intern in the phone center, where she answers questions from potential customers. She is presently a senior at Santa Clara University. She expects to graduate in June '88 with a degree in Marketing. Daja enjoys a wide range of activities — from planning retreats for college freshmen to glass blowing. She is presently increasing her cycling training to gear up for the collegiate racing season that begins in January. Mike Reid has recently joined Dialog as a Marketing Representative. His area of
responsibility it that of liaison to the Advanced Technology Group marketing the technologies that improve access, delivery, and utilization of Dialog's information. To this end he will work with Dialog's CDROM product line, DIALOGL1NK, and DIALMAIL. Mike will also be focusing on marketing microcomputer-related Dialog products and services, Mike holds a U.S. in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley. Mike's previous experience includes market research for GTE and sales for the Speech Plus and V-Channel PCbased voice processing systems. Mike is a Canadian, originally from Vancouver, B.C., and enjoys many outdoor
worked the last six years at Continental Airlines in Los Angeles as a Senior Computer Operator. Before that he worked for Nissan Motor Club also in Los Angeles for eight years. Robert started from the bottom level at Nissan and worked his way up to Senior Computer Operator. Robert who is originally from Hawaii moved to the San Jose area to be closer to his large family. He enjoys golf, fishing, skiing and all water sports. Sydnie Smith is a new HR Representative. She is responsible primarily for rvcruitment, EEO.'Affirmative Action and employment related HR activities, Her experience includes twelve years in Human Resources, including employment, compensation, HRJS, and training assignments. Sydnie is currently taking courses to finish her Bachelor's degree in Human Relations at Golden Gate University. Her outside activities include sailing, sewing, gardening, and swimming. She is new to the Bay Area after living in San Diego for 13 years.
Robert Sheely is a new Senior Data Pnicessor in Systems and Operations. You probably won't see much of Robert because he is working when most of us are getting ready for bed. Robert has MON'OLOC
(Winter 1987) 9
Dialog Goes to School Imagine this, scene: you are walking through a building and through an open door you hoar the familiar phrase, "Using the three logical operators, AND, OR, or NOT, you can connect the concepts in your search...." This could be (hecorridor outside a DIALOG System Seminar, outside a workstation used by *i search intermediary, or outside a library school classroom. The only clue to your location, as you glance around the corridor, is that the drinking fountain is 2 feet from the floor and the chairs can only be approached on your knee*. As the bell rings, a flood of 5th graders rush from the room and you realize you are in an elementary school and the students are learning DIALOG via the Classroom Instruction Program. According to DIALOG CIP Manager Anne Caputa, this scene is being repeated in countless elementary and secondary school classrooms across the country as DIALOG'S newest CIP segment, CLASSMATE, is introduced to students from grades 5 or 6 through high school and to undergraduate college classes. Stanford University and Drexel University are two of the newest entrants in one of the hottest trends in education. CLASSMATE, based on KNOWLEDGE INDEX protocols and databases, was introduced in February 1987 and has already become the fastest growing segment of the Classroom Instruction Program. In addition to offering the KJ files at the standard CIP rate of $15 per hour, CLASSMATE offers special curriculum materials designed for school use. A CLASSMATE Student Workbook was introduced in February, a videotape in September, and a CLASSMATE Teaching Guide will be available in November. These materials provide basic system instruction as well as lesson plans, sample testing materials for teacher use, masters for creating overhead transparencies, and a videotape introduction to basic online concepts.
10 (Winter 1987)
CLASSMATE joins a growing number of Classroom Instruction Program segments. D1ALOG.CIP offers standard DIALOG at classroom rates and is aimed at schools of library and information science, other graduate and undergraduate programs, and advanced high school pro grams. DIALOG/CIP is supported with the DIALOG Lab Workbook and Reference Manual. DIALOG Business ConnecHon/ClP offers the DIALOG Business Connection to graduate and undergraduate business programs. DIALOG Business Connection/OP provides demonstration and case study examples created for faculty and student use. CIP has grown to roughly 2,000 participating schools with a total impact on approximately 144,000 students per school year. By providing an awareness of DIALOG
services toa large group of potential users, thesi' students are talking about DIALOG with their parents and classmates, Many students are getting KNOWLEDGE INDEX passwords, and in turn, their parents are acquiring DIALOG services in their workplace. The philosophy of CIP can be summarized bv quoting the text of the CLASSMATE ad: Give a man a fish, he will not be hungry for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will not be hungry for a lifetime. CIP represents an effort to increase information literacy and information awareness in a vast pool of potential DIALOG customers -customers who represent the future of our company.
MOXOLOC
Dialog in the Arts One of Dialog's primary assets is its staff - as wo all know! But you may not be aware of the many staff members who are also talented artists, photographers, musicians, and craftspeople. This new column in the MONOLOG is dedicated to sharing this information...so that we can get to know one another better, find common interests, and perhaps even get inspired to pull that rugmaking project out of the closet, sign up for those trombone lessons, or try out that long-hidden desire to be on the stage! A brief survey reveals over 60 people at I )ialug who are involved in the arts in one fashion or another...and this is far from .1 comprehensive tally! ITirough this column, we propose to provide thumbnailsize sketches of individuals and their activities. Your roving reporter has interviewed each person whose name appears here, and may be contacting you in the future! Meantime, if you would like to contribute information about yourself, please do not hesitate, but call or send a message to Nancy Green (ext. 3816, VM ID CRhKN). This initial column portrays five individuals involved in five rather different areas: ballet, instrumental music, singing, painting, and photography. Greg Calkins is one of several Dialog-ers actively involved in ballet. Greg currently performs with the Peninsula Ballet Theater, appearing in such favorites as Swan Lake, Giselle, and Cinderella. Greg started appearing with PBT in 1980, but had to suspend his involvement while working modified swing-shift in the Print Room here at Dialog! Once back on a dayshift in 1984, Greg was called back to TBT to appear as a royal person in Swan Lake...a role he has just revived in PBT's November 1987 performance of the work. Greg takes ballet lessons at PBT, exploring a life-long interest in dance that began with dance classes in elementary school. While at CSU - San Jose {alias San Jose State), Greg took classes at the San Jose Ballet school, and also played the piano for other classes at the schooL When he moved up onto the Peninsula, he joined PBT. MONOLOG
playing Bach, of allowing the excitement and momentum of a piece to build upon itself through the instrument until it resounds through the hall! Recently, however, Pat has had to take a rest from the organ, due to a back injury sustained a few years ago. (Playing the organ involves extensive movement of the feet across the many pedals of the instrument, as well as keyboard work with the hands; this activity is not friendly to the human back.) However, Pat does not consider herself retired from playing ... any day now, she Greg has an extra link into the ballet will take up those piano lessons and reworld: through it (specifically, through a turn to the Mozart, Beethoven, and dance production class at College of San Scriabin pieces that she loves! Mateo), he met his wife Sara, also a trained ballerina and a choreographer as well! Sara also appears in PBT productions, including the role of the stepmother in last year's Cinderella production. The PBT's 1987 production of the Nutcracker is coming up soon (December 1213, and 19-20, to be exact) at the San Mateo Perforating Arts Center. If Clara's Papa looks familiar, vou'll know why! Contact Greg (ext. 3761,'VMIDCALKINS)if you'd like ticket information.
Libby Trudell is one of many Dialog singers humming their way around the buildings. Libby has sung for as long as she can remember, and still gathers 'round the piano with her fellow highschool choristers when back home in West Springfield, Mass. Libby completed a Pat Cumbcl has been active in musk Ml double major in music (and religion) as her life, and became the organist at her an undergraduate at Tufts University, church xvhen she ivas just 16. She was a spent several summers with touring musmusic major at the College of the Pacific ical theater companies, and sang as a mus(now UOP) in Stockton, and returned to ical waitress in a Boston restaurant during the Bay Area to serve as the organist at her post-graduate years. She appeared the 1 piscopal < hurt h in I lay ward foi over with \t/.s. bands in local coffee houses in ten years. Pat taught piano and organ to both the Boston and Palo Alto areas, and private students, continuing her own les- is one of Dialog's core carollers each sons at the same time. She particularly Christmas. remembers the excitement of studying with Herbert Nanney, then organist at Although she was once alto soloist for St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Boston, and is probStanford University. ing the higher notes of the scale now, Libby is most comfortable singing a mezzo soprano part. She is currently taking private voice lessons, as well as singing in the Masterworks Chorale at the College of San Mateo as a 2nd soprano. Masterworks Chorale will be presenting Die Schopfung ("The Creation") by Haydn in After moving to the Peninsula, Pat served November, as well as a "sing-along" Mesas a substitute organist for many churches siah concert on December 5th, both at the in the area, becoming more and more San Mateo Performing Arts Center. If you familiar with the church music repertoire are interested in attending, see Libby or for organ. She can still feel the thrill of Nancy Green.
(Winter 1987) 11
Sara Lynch paints in both oil and acrylic, and also creates collages using either canvas on canvas or paper on composition board. Sara has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, where as a student she participated in gallery shows. While in college, she drew and painted in a variety of styles, as well ,.c e\plo-ing ceramics \"owadavs, she
wocks mostly or iar>;r canvasses (usually 4 X 5 feet), in her own style that she describes as something close to abstract ex-, pressionism, in which the composition of the piece itself is more important than any subject it might be portraying.
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When she has time (and is not on the road for Dialog!), Sara works on her pieces in the garage of her home. She usually starts with a specific, realistic mental picture (such as a landscape), then manipulates it through the paint-and-canvas medium to make the original concept abstract and more powerful. Most recently, she has been exploring the contrast of color, establishing one principal color in a piece, then inserting a second, contrasting color into the composition. She paints for her own satisfaction, hanging the pieces throughout her home. Susan Pralher is Dialog's pre-eminent company photographer, but also works within that medium as an artist. Actually, Susan learned photography on the job here at Dialog: when George Plosker (then company photographer) left Palo Alto to open the Los Angeles office, Susa n picked up her camera to take the "mug shots" of new employees for publication In the CHRONOLOG. As time went by, she took a variety of photography workshops (especially at U.C. Santa Crui Extension, which she highly recommends), and began to explore the art of photography outside work, 12 (Winter 1987)
Although she has perforce become an expert at taking shots of PC screens of Dialog output, and of installations of new computer equipment in Building 580, Susan's favorite genre might be expressed as "street photography," taking candid photos of people at events or just in daily life. She prefers working in black-andwhite rather than color, because it is more abstract ("you have to switch the way you think, from color to black-andwhite,..think how colors will appear in black-and-white"), and because it allows her to develop and print her own works. Her favorite photographers include Imogen Cunningham, Ruth Bernhardt, Judy Dater, Margo Davis, and Edward and Brett Weston. Susan has been the official photographer at numerous weddings and parties, and also does "copy work," photographing other works of art such as paintings and etchings for newspaper articles or gallery announcements. She will offer her firstever show at the Mountain View Public Library next March, and is currently busy preparing the prints for it, which are drawn from a trip she took recently in the San Luis Obispo area to explore the architectural and natural landscape of that region.
Milestones Ken Lew recently celebrated 20 years at DialogLorraine Bell (Arlington office), Charlie Bourne, Ron Kaminecki (ChicagoOffice), Kim Reck, and Steve Wilson reached the 10-year mark.
The following employees recently celebrated five years at Dialog: Mary Corcoran, Jim lhill.ic,li,in, Itohdanna Kachala i \ c u York office), Joan Slrickler, and Lin Wright.
Newlyweds Jane Bodi of Marketing and Garey De Martini were married September 6 in Larkspur. Jane says they drank lots of Heinekens on St. Maarten (one of the Virgin Islands) on their honeymoon. They celebrated the wedding with a unique flair. Tor their reception Jane and Carey invited friends to a beach party on Stinson Beach in Marin County. Only parents were invited to the actual wedding. Rick Collins of the Database Group and Ines Bra/ were married on September 5.
New Arrivals Audra Michelle Robinson, born July 22 to Cathy and Rob Robinson of Systems and Operations. She weighed in at 5 lbs. 11 oz. and was 18" long.
MONOLOG
Sports at Dialog "// there is an overriding concern, one that unites most Americans, it is fitness. People's desire to stay young and trim knows no bounds and often amounts to an obsession. Yet the In' method of staying fit shifts faster than the colors of a spinning mirrored globe. In Houston, people pay up to $700 for contraptions called gravity -guidance units so they cm hang upside down, easing backaches tod improving their posture and circulation. Chicagoans walk fast or play squash for exercise. In Denver, health enthusiasts flock to tanning centers, or, especially if they're women, lift weights to train muscles. In Washington, they carry hand weights while they run. Los Angeles parents even send their ti>ddlers to special gyms." (Source DIALOG File 647) Copyright U.S. N e w s & World Report, Inc. In Palo Alto, health enthusiasts take advantage of the pedestrian paths and go tor an invigorating run or walk. Almost ever)' day without fail you will see DIALOG'S walking team striding their way to keep in shape. Our team members include: Barbara Anderson, Carol Wilson, Sue Ryan, ant: Penny CoppernollBlach. You will invariably see others walking as well but this team has endured over the years.
Track & Field Bob Feldman and Mike Hoist are noontime runners. They have also run for Lockheed's team in the BAY AREA CORPORATE CUP ASSOCIATION TRACK MEET, nicknamed Corporate Games. Bob Feldman r,m on (ho "President's Relay Team." The Lockheed team's goal was to beat Hewlett-Packard's team. They have met this giwl two years in a row and pulled away with a silver medal. Mike Hoist rin a one-mile leg of the Distance Medley Relay which took third place.
Bernie WÂťlker jt his best
Basketball Bernie Walker celebrates a joyous occasion after finally getting his (our) basketball hoop installed in the back parking lot. He waited patiently for his day and couldn't wait to try it out, even if it did mean ruining the nicest clothes he owns. Now our basketball athletes don't have to commute to Arastradero Park anymore. When DIALOG sprouts up we'll just have to park around the hoop, says Bernie.
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And neither rain, hail, sleet nor snow will keep Mereda Mack from running her 3 mile course every day. (Winter 1987)
13
Let's Get Acquainted! This is the first of what we hope will be a continuing series of articles written by DIALOG employees abou; their departments. Since Publications is responsible fur producing the MONOLOG, we thought we'd get the ball rolling by telling you who we are and what we do. Staffed with six editors, five graphic designers, and one print buyer, the publications department can produce manuals. Blue-sheets, the "DIALOG Database Catalog," marketing collateral. Database Chapters, the Annual Report, training materials, UPDATE materials, slide shows, and viewfoils. The only stage of production not done in-house is the printmi; which is done by outside firms. Four nexvsletters are also published: the CHRONOLOG, PROLOG, KNOWLEDGE INDEX News, and MONOLOG. In addition, our graphic designers create signs, invitations, labels, and design packaging for many DIALOG products. Publications editors work primarily with the Product Groups and Customer Services to create documentation for new products. Since most documentation is written before (he final release of a product, thorough testing of new products represents a critical part of the time we spend preparing documents. A typical manna] requires testing a product, drafting the text of the manual, editing the text, distributing the draft for review bv others working on the product, and then incorporating any comments, suggestions, and'or changes. Once the text is finalized, a draft is marked up with instructions for typesetting and paste-up. The editor then works with a graphic designer to create the artwork from which the final manual will be printed. The graphic designers work with Marketing staff as well as with the editors in Publications. The first step in preparing a document is to establish the size of the final document. Design options are then reviewed and a final design is agreed upon. Colors are established (most DIALOG publications are two colors, one of which is almost always black), the use of photographs or illustrations is decided,
14 (Winter 1987)
and a sh i.. hosen that best suits the design and readability of the documentAlthough we frequently work in teams to complete major projects, each of the editors and graphic designers has her own area of responsibility. Publications is managed by Barbara Anderson, who also manages Customer Services. Carol Wilson supervises the department and ensures that upcoming projects are prioritized, scheduled, and assigned. In her role as supervisor. Carol helps coordinate our individual goals and objectives with those of our department -- as well as with the priorities and objectives of other DIALOG departments that generate materials for us to publish. Carol is also responsible for the CHRONOLOG newsletter and she does everything from writing articles Mr editing articles that others of us write, to overseeing final production. On the days (sometimes hours!) between the completion of one CHRONOLOG and start of another, Carol keeps the online news flash up-to-date, produces the "DIALOG Publications Catalog," updates the Database Wall Chart, and tracks t h t public release dates of new databases. Nancy Green wears two hats here at DIALOG -- she is an editor in Publications and also coordinates Dialog's activities in Latin America. As an editor, Nancy is responsible for all DIALOG system documentation, including "Searching DIALOG: The Complete Guide," which she finished writing this Fall, "DIALOG Basics," and the "Pocket Guide." Nancy will continue to update and revise those publications as enhancements to DIALOG are made, Nancy also writes CHRONOLOG articles that announce new system ieatures. maintains the documentation lor DIALMAIL, and edits materials that are published for our Spanish-speaking customers.
of those boxes on the back page of Blue sheets had to be drawn by hand ~ our typesetting equipment has eliminated that chore! Alice also works closely with the Marketing department to produce many of their collateral pieces. Alice is also editor of this newsletter, MONOLOG, and serves as a DIALOG photographer. Most ot the photographs in the new CLASSMATE videotape were shot by Alice. Alice handled the design work, production and most of the photography for Dialog's first annual report Slu- is gearing up to start 1987's color report. Linda Naranjo takes the artwork which the designers have created and orders the printing. She negotiates with outside printing firms to maintain buying quality, expedient printing at competitive prices. For most printing jobs, Linda talks to three or more printers to find the one that will do the best job .it tht hi -â&#x20AC;˘: pii.v I inch maintains DIALOG'S archival collection of publications including photogiaphs and artwork used to produce DIALOG materials. She also functions as the departmental secretary. Mimi Nguyen also works on Bhtesheets, as well as on the monthly U.S. Training Schedule and regional training flyers. Some of her other activities include pasting up the artwork for many Marketing flyers and brochures, manuals, and CLASSMATE materials, Mimi designs many of the signs that are used at conferci-kvs such as UPDATE and was responsible for the signs that were used at DIALOG'S first Open I louse this spring. She has worked on designing the artwork for DIALOG gift items such as coasters, buttons, pencils, and mugs, and is currently working on the design for the new Dialog recruitment brochure.
January Nice handles the layout and paste-up of the CHRONOLOG (Cathy Alice Lewis spends a significant portion Weeks does all of the typesetting). Januof her time creating the artwork for Blue- ary determines how articles will fall on a sheets. Alice receives the text of the Blue- page, determines whether photographs sheets from Sue Ryan and then re-formats are needed, and designs the graphics. The it for typesetting. Just over a year ago, all CHRONOLOG is a two-color piece and
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January identifies ways to use the second UPDATE conference proceedings. Jane color to enhance the overall impact of the- also works on miscellaneous marketing newsletter. The Ad Supplement portion brochures, flyers, some packaging design, of the CHRONOLOG is also January's re- does the design work on the PROLOG, sponsibility, so she spends a lot of time Uld is responsible for creating many of working with our advertisers, keeping the invitations that DIALOG issues. We track of reserved ad spaces and special o n also thank Jane for the colorful requests, and making sure the ads arrive graphics displayed at all MYPR and YEPR on time and get printed according to the presentations! advertiser'^ specifications. Additionally, January handles the layout and creates Sue Ryan spends the better part of each cartoons for KNOWLEDGF. INDEX month preparing the Bluesheets that will News, pastes up the Kl Database Briefs, be mailed with the following month's and works on a number of miscellaneous C HRONOLOG. Since Bluesheets are usumaterials as time permits, ally written from test files. Sue works closely with both Customer Services and Susan Prattler is responsible for docu- the Product Groups to help ensure that menting new DlALCXi products. Cur- problems are diagnosed and cured before rently, Susan is working on documenta- a file goes public. This year Sue has undertion "for TRADEMARKS AN IT..!;,:.-. Taken the task of updating all of the older She has written, and continues to main- Bluesheets, thus processing a minimum tain updates to the manuals for DIALOG of ten Bluesheets per month. Sue is also Medical Connection, DIALOG Business responsible fur producing the "DIALOG Connection, and DIALOGLINK. Rumor Database Catalog," edits Database ChapI has it that there are more professional ters as time permits, and serves as the packages to come, so we can probably liaison to outside writers that prepare Database Chapters. beep her busy for a while! Susan has been responsible for ail KNOWLEDGE INDEX publications, Including the manual. Data- Cathy Weeks is responsible for most of base Briefs, and "KNOWLEDGE INDEX the typesetting generated Irom PublicaNews," the quarterly newsletter that is tions. Here at DIALOG we use phototype sent to Kl users. In addition, the data in -- a photographic process that produces Roger Summit's weekly activity report to "hardcopy" text by exposing text that is Lockheed Corporation are compiled by stored on a floppy disk onto photo-sensiSusan -- she always appreciates receiving tive paper. That's the mechanics of typeany information you have to contribute! setting, but the real art is "letter crunchSusan is also one of DIALOG'S resident ing" • taking 10 lines ol copj and making photographers and is the person to find it fit into one line or transforming eight pages of text into a one-page flyer (singleif vou need to create a slide show. sided with an illustration!). All of the Jane Reinsch works directly with Carol graphic designers at DIALOG assume typesetting responsibilities, but Cathy'i Wilson to schedule and coordinate the expert. She does much of the typesetgraphics jobs that come into Publications. ting for the other designers, who then take In addition, Jane produces most of the the text she has created to paste-up a job training manuals and many user manuals to tln-ir own specifications. (DBC, DMC). Each year she produces the
kjthy Welden works on the final editing and production of database chapters. In addition, Kathy has recently assumed responsibility for maintenance of the DIALOG OnDisc User's Guide" and related documentation, as well as for the PROLOG, a quarterly newsletter tor database producers. She is currently working with Susan Prather to produce the Fall issue of "KNOWLEDGE INDEX N e w s , " and will eventually be assuming responsibility for all Kl publications. Some of Kathy's other activities include generating the blue cover sheets that accompany PRINTs, and producing "Search Aids for Use with DIALOG Databases Karen York produces Database Chapters, and thus works closely with both Customer Services and the Product Groups. Chapters are written either by outside writers or by Customer Services staff. Karen lakes over from there and ensures that databases are accurately documented, edits for clarity and to ensure that all of our Database Chapters are written in the same style, and prepares a draft for review. Once the Chapter has been reviewed by the Customer Services and Product Group specialists, Karen incorporates their comments and marks up the draft for typesetting. Karen is also responsible for writing and updating most of DIALCXi's online EXPLAINS. Although editors and artists may seem to function on separate levels, we seem to complement each other and therefore form a diversified, balanced team. Publications takes pride in DIALOG'S reputation for producing the industry standard in documentation. That's ourdepartment — how about telling us about yours? We invite other departments to submit an article describing their pad in making this company function as a whole. We'd really like to know. It's really not as difficult as you might think! Send all contributed articles via VM to Alice Lewis, VM ID LEWIS.
From L<oR starling with thi; back raw: Barbjrj Andenon, Linda Naranpo, Suvin Prathor. Sue Ryin, O l h y W « k s , Janr Rcinsih, Jjnujry Nicr, M i m i Nguyen, Alicr I.rnvis, Carol Wilson, Kithy W r l d m , Nancy Green, and Karen York
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(Winter 1987)
15
IT'S YOUR BUSINESS A Company-Wide Effort Makes OneSearch Debut Possible Because of a strong staff dedication, DIALOG has announced a significant enhancement to its DIALOG Information Retrieval Service. An exciting new feature called OneSearch allows online users to search up to 20 databases with a single command, producing combined results and output. The implementation of this new feaiure started in February, with a design and documentation team consisting of Sophie Hudnut, Kevin Bowling, and Gordon Schick The Online Group then followed by creating detail design and coding for the system. Each individual within the Online
Group was responsible for changing a section of DIALOG2 code to facilitate OneSearch. This included Russ Painter and Larry Wood, who provided the facility to perform I/O (input and output), to multiple files; Ned Wu was responsible for the enhancement of the print process which allows different records to appear on the same page and to ensure proper format of the records as well; Jim Dullaghan and Jim Wittmeyer enhanced the type command and created the ability to have sets consisting of accession numbers from multiple files; Ronda Wilcox and Linda Ericson enhanced the BEGIN command and created all the accounting to track multiple file searching; Mike Fong enhanced the EXPAND command to
merge results from multiple files and to allow SELECT to work in OneSearch; Jon Soule enhanced D1ALORDER to support the FROM option in OneSearch. Marketing and Publications provided support from their end to properly introduce the product and Product Groups helped answer questions from suppliers on the value of such access. Customer Services and the Online Group will provide the ongoing support required for resolving any questions or problems. 1'his new product has been well received by our customers and will be a significant addition to the DIALOG System.
DIALOG Business Connection Offers Faster More Complete Corporate Intelligence On October 10, 1987 major enhacements bute codes, and verifying matches with to DIALOG Business Connection (DBC) names and addresses. The final product were introduced. The enhancements af- greatly simplifies the process of retrieving fect the Corporate Intelligence application company data in DBC. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the most widely-used section within DBC. Developing the Company Index was a team effort. The team included Martin Corporate Intelligence was revamped lo Buerger, Roger Hall, Bob Lundy, Janice make it easier for customers to locate the McCallum, Judy Rosenga- Cardenas, and company data they seek. The new design Connie Zuga. Bob Lundy deserves special reorganizes the menu and submenu op- credit for designing the programs that tions and adds new data sources. Newly create the Index. added sources include Reuters, Disclosure/Spectrum, PfS New Product An- With the help of the Company Index, DBC nouncements, D&B Dun's Financial Rec- is able to instantly identify which dataords, and the Trinet Line of Business Re- bases have information for a particular port. Corporate Intelligence also hjs company. Consequently, as soon as a user added a Composite Keport--a complete enters the company name or ticker symbackground report with extensive finan- bol, DBC responds with the standard cial data-available with the press of one menu of data options; those options for key! which DBC is certain no data exists will be preceded by an asterisk. The revisions involve the implementation of the Company Index, which is the culmi- In addition. Corporate Intelligence now nation of many months of work thÂŤt re- offers a Company Finder. The Company quired developing a sophisticated transla- Finder allows users several alternative tion scheme, matching companies by attri- ways to explore the DBC Company Index 16 (Winter 1987)
to determine if the company they seek is included. The Company Finder alleviates the frustration of locating limited company data because of variant spellings or indexing. The Corporate Intelligence team was headed by Janice McCallum, who was responsible for the overall design. Judy Rosenga-Cardenas created the Composite Report. And Roger Hall made it all possible by transforming the design into the necessary programming code. Customer Services, Marketing, and Publications support were provided by Tine Brouwer, Mary Corcoran, and Susan Prather, respectively. The entire team encourages you to experiment with the new Corporate Intelligence section in DBC and welcomes your feedback,
MONOLOG
Image capability added to TRADEMARKSCAN1 DIALOG now has the capability to display, type, and save images of trademark logos and other trademark design elements contained in DIALOG'S exclusive TRADEMARKSCAN -FEDERAL database, bach record contains the actual trademark, a description of the goods or services, the owner's name and other pertinent information about the status of the mark. This new capability which provides access to all active registered and pending trademarks on file in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office premiers in January of ]HSS
Haven't you ever wanted to see what a certain company is using for a trademark? Well, Apple Computer certainly did when it was spinning off its unnamed software company. Jo Ann Mandinach, product manager of DIALOG'S Image Lab, recalls that there was quite a delay in the formation of the Apple subsidiary because so many "high-tech" names were already in use. According to Jo Ann, "We got quite a few calls from the folks at Apple checking out all sorts of tradenames that mentioned phrases like: information, claritv, easy, Mac and the like." Once they finally-
settled on the name "Clairas" they could finally get stationery and start working xvith software developers officially. Their long search for a name and a logo left room for quite a bit of media speculation about the fate of the company. Jo Ann also notes that some of the beta testers were so enthusiastic about the Trademarkscan Images that they immediately purchased graphic boards to ensure their participation in the test. "We're very enthusiastic about this new product, as are the producers at Thomson and Thomson."
Staff Papers & Presentations The following Dialog staff have recently Lee, Ann. "Fostering the Entrepreneurial Simons, Robert. "D.B. & U.S. Federal presented or published papers relating to Spirit in Chicago," Lockheed Life, Issue Government," ONLINE '87, Anaheim, the Online Information Industry: 4, 1987. CA, October 20-22, 1987. Caputo, Anne. "Teaching the Teachers," Plosker, George. "Clarifying RepublicaONLINE '87. Anaheim, CA, October 20- tion Rights to Materials that are Accessed 22, 1987. in Electronic Form," presented at the Special Libraries Association Annual ConCoppernoll-BIach, Penny. "Health Sci- ference, Anaheim, CA, June 1987. .mvs Databases on DIALOG," presented at the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Plosker, George. "Breakthroughs in Medical Library Association Annual Training: New Technologies, New AudiMeeting, Spokane, Washington, October ences, New Concepts," presented at the 19, 1987. Southern California Online Users Croup meeting, August 1987. Corchado, Veronica. "Using DIALOG in Education," Educational Writers Associa- Ream, Richard. "Transition in Information, San Francisco, CA, April 1987. tion Creation and Distribution- Forum Features. Technologies," ONLINE '87, Hudnul, Sophie. "Multiple Search Deci- Anaheim, CA, October 20-22, 1987. sion," ONLINE '87, Anaheim, CA, October 20-22, 1987. Ream, Richard. "Dialog Directions and Global Outreach," UPDATE - Mexico Kaminecki, Ron. Vh e m e u of City, Mexico, October 19, 1987. DIALOG," Rubber Expo, Cleveland, OH, October 6-8, 1987, Rosanoff, Andrea. "An Apparatus to Measure Corrosion Rate Simultaneously Kaminecki, Ron. "Usage of Online Data- With the Corrosion Products' Chemical.'' bases," PC Expo, Chicago, IL, October 13- Biological Effects." presented at the Sixth 15 1987. International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment, September 17, 1987, MONOLOG
Summit, Roger. "View from the Top... Dialog's Role in the CDROM Industry," Microsoft Conference, Seattle, Washington, March 3-5 1987. Trudell, Libby. "Selling Information Services to the Large Corporation," IIA Annual Conference-, November 1987, Woggon, Michcle. "Economic Statistical Data Online: A Primer," DATABASE, October 1987. Zappert, Fred. 'Marketing Strategies for CDROM Databases-The case of DIALOG OnDisc," Microsoft Conference, Seattle, WA, March 3-5, 1987. Zappert, Fred. "From Dial-up for Desktop," Optical Storage '87, May 1987. Zappert, Fred. "Publishing the Multimedia Database," CD-I The Future, May 1987,
(Winter 1987) 17
you at Dialog's Holiday Festivities!
Friday, December 18 Hyatt Rickey's Camino Ballroom 7:00 p.m. Be there or be square!
The MONOLOC u published by and for DIALOG employees at irregular intervals. Editor
Alicr Ijevrix
Associate Editor Photo Editor (. untnbutiiiK Authiin
JaneRelnsch Alice Ijewis Ivirl HI AIRIIT-VI-.. FopClC **fi AnncCaputo, Nancy Green. KtMiKjminwjki. |<> Ann Mjndin.it:h,
Janioe McCallum, Gordon Schick. andKaihyWeldon Contributions to (he MONOLOC arc welcome, and should reach the editor as soon as possible. Send material via VM mail or DIALMAll. to LEWIS, or call SS8-4086.
18 (Winter 19S7)
MOXOLOG
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(Winter 1987) 19