Support : Publications : Chronolog Archives : May 2002

Smart Searching: Which Pricing Option Is Right for You?

Dialog has recently initiated a connect time pricing option to go along with its DialUnits pricing. The two options are designed to minimize searching costs for all Dialog users, no matter what their levels of expertise or the types of information they are looking for.

DialUnits measure the use of system resources. They do not measure "think time." Moreover, no DialUnits are charged for frequently-used functions like checking Bluesheets, consulting HELP screens, browsing title lists, or configuring Alerts. If you like to look over a list of titles online, are a relatively infrequent searcher, or are searching an unfamiliar topic, you might choose DialUnits.

Connect time, on the other hand, measures costs from the time you begin a database until you exit. Charges vary depending on the database you select and the length of your search session. A typical example where connect time is cost effective would be searching for a specific document with a known citation, title, or author. If you have significant search expertise, you may prefer connect time.

Remember output costs are the same whether you use connect time pricing or DialUnits to retrieve your results. Here are ten tips to keep in mind to search smart.

1. Use DIALINDEX to test search terms, verify the best databases for a search, and try features, such as date restrictions and other limit options.



2. See if it is possible to speed up the connection. Modem speed is a factor in dial-up connections, and network connections can vary depending on the speed and size of the data packet processing.



3. Use the PRINT command to send records by e-mail via the Internet. There is a $.50 charge but you receive the results within the hour, saving DialUnits, connect and telecommunications time, and your own time waiting for records to download.



4. Make a free file your logon file (e.g., Files 410, 415, 200)



5. Have Dialog Alerts automatically run routine searches. Alerts are easy to create and edit with DialogWeb. The price of an Alert includes running the search and usually up to 20 full records.



6. Tailor your search styles for the pricing option you are using. For example, use log on and log off, as well as the PAUSE command, only with connect time. When using DialUnits, complete the search from beginning to end, and review results all in one session. Note: LOGOFF HOLD can be used effectively in either price mode to disconnect from Dialog for 30 minutes while holding your search sets.



7. Resource intensive commands use more system resources and DialUnits, but they can also take more connect time. Commands like RANK, SORT, or REMOVE DUPLICATES take longer to manipulate sets of records. Therefore, reduce the size of sets by applying limits, using index codes, and proper proximity connectors and truncation before using special Dialog commands.



8. Use the SELECT STEPS (SS) command with discretion. Because it creates separate sets for each search, it uses more resources. Use SELECT and FIND for most searches. One exception is in the Trademark databases.



9. Use truncation with care. Specifying the number of characters to truncate takes less system resources and time (e.g., s comput???).



10. Use date limitations. Adding CURRENT or CURRENT2 to a BEGIN statement makes a faster search (e.g., b 9 current2). Additionally, using date ranges (e.g., s pd=20010101:20010601) takes less resources than searches using greater than (>) or less than (<) symbols (e.g., s pd>2000).

Finally, you can monitor the cost of your searching using the COST and SET NOTICE commands. Just type in COST at any point in the search to see the cost you have accumulated to that point in your search. You can also SET NOTICE to a specified amount. You will be warned if your search output would exceed the amount you set.

Searching smartly will help cost conscious searchers no matter which pricing option they choose.

—Nancy Lee, Arlington, VA USA

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