The Computer Literature Index (CLI) is the equivalent of the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature for finding articles about computers and computer applications. Formerly known as the Quarterly Bibliography of Computers and Data Processing, it covers 425 subject headings and “provides annotations and full citations of magazine and journal articles, taken from approximately 300 computer‐related trade publications, business magazines, and management journals”. As it is geared toward those in the computer industry, such as computer users, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers, the articles cited are less theoretical and academic and more of a practical nature. The 1996‐1999 Cumulation on CD‐ROM, which will be reviewed here, is a supplement to the print version of the 1999 edition.
Installation of this product is simple and straightforward. In the beginning, although I followed the installation directions, I received an error message and was not able to proceed further. However, I performed the same steps later and had no problem.
About 22MB, the CLI can be used on older computers without as much RAM as today’s high‐powered machines. Unfortunately, however, it is available only for IBM compatible computers and not for the Mac.
The main menu of the CLI is organized into five different categories of search mechanisms: (1) Quick Subject Locator, (2) Search by Subject Classifications, (3) Search by Author Last Name, (4) Search by Keyword, and (5) Search by Publisher. The simple layout and skillful use of colors (black, gray, turquoise, and yellow) make the Index an inviting tool to use.
Users may wonder what the difference between the first and second options is. When employing the Quick Subject Locator, users are able to browse the general subject classifications, which then are narrowed down to more precise classes. On the other hand, using the second method, users can specifically target articles in more than one class at a time. In this window they can select as many classifications and save them until ready to execute the query. Unfortunately, if users have chosen one by mistake, they must click on the Clear button and start over. A few other advantages of this method of searching include the availability of definitions for obscure terms, see also references, and narrowing by author and by starting year (coverage from 1996 to 1999). A disadvantage in trying to limit by year is that it is not possible to find articles that are published in any given year except 1999.
Searching by Author allows limiting to specific publication and starting year. Also, searching by Publication allows limiting by author and date of publication (year, month). Also useful when searching by Publication is the box that says “Click for publisher information”. This brings up the contact information of the selected publication.
Finally, Keyword searching is available with Boolean capabilities. Clicking on the Help button gives a clear explanation about Boolean searching to first‐time users, as well as two examples. However, when I performed some of my own searches, I often received a “syntax error in keyword string” message. This is enough to frustrate someone who is not used to keyword searching. Technical support, though friendly, was unable to explain to me why I was unable to perform a keyword search for “computers and the disabled” when it was indexed in the subject classification. One more negative in using this method is the inability to use truncation.
Eventually, by employing one of the search mechanisms, users will arrive at the article citations. On each entry are the article title, author, publication title, annotation, and classifications. From there, users can see other entries by clicking the back arrow or forward arrow buttons, or the “scan titles” button. They can also print the entry or save it. By clicking the “scan titles” button, a listing of all the article matches comes up. To select one to see its citation, it is necessary to click it and then close the window. Unfortunately, there is no way to keep the listings window and individual entries windows open at the same time.
In terms of content, the CLI measures up to the claims that it “can serve as the basis for an MIS library or supplement an academic or research library.” The Index covers such topics as network backbones and artificial intelligence to computers and the disabled and legal applications.
According to the publisher, the criteria for inclusion in the CLI are subject content, usefulness to the intended audience, and durability. It is for this reason that there are looseleaf publications, which are listed and updated in every issue of the Index.
At $245.00 per year, the average user would not be able to afford this title. However, for academic libraries and especially technical colleges who are unable to afford more comprehensive databases, this may be a possible alternative. Recommended with reservations.
