Suppose we bought Dialog...

Volume 17, Number 5 • May 2000

Suppose we bought Dialog... — What steps would we take to improve and enhance its database?
by Barbara Quint

QUINT'S ONLINE column recalls the second annual Southern California Online Users Group (SCOUG) meeting with the entire retreat focused on a model question: What would searchers do if we bought Dialog? Says that the question has resurfaced as Thomson has bought Dialog from U.K.-based MAID. Maintains that Thomson should embark on a program to integrate links to full-text articles on publisher Web sites. Adds that users still want online systems that can deliver what they need as quickly and as completely as possible. Points out that the first order of business at Thomson Dialog should be the addition of full-featured listservs and e-mail for gathering user input. Concludes that more than anything, the new Thomson must look for new worlds to conquer and expect to use and develop new tools and new relationships to get the job done.