Current state of full text primary information online with recommendations for the future

Abstract

During the 1980s, database vendors mounted more full text primary literature online. Users, however, have not adopted these files for use at the same rate. There are several reasons for the slow adoption of full text primary files: one is the lack of full, complete online files, a second is that full text online files compete with many other better‐known sources of information. Full text files are often isolated, and not linked with bibliographic retrieval files. Finally, the files may be positioned to appeal to end users, but end users may not be adopting online searching as eagerly as the information intermediaries have. The future of online full text information will depend on producers developing the technology necessary to mount complete files economically, and the ability of producers and vendors to make this kind of retrieval attractive to users. Enhancements for users may take the form of artificial intelligence interfaces, integrated searching and inclusion of graphics.