comprehensively surveys scientific information retrieval, which is characterized by growing convergence of information expressed in varying complementary forms of data - textual, numerical, image, and graphics; by the fundamental transformation which the scientific library is currently being subjected to; and by computer networking which as become an essential element of the research fabric. addresses enabling technologies, so-called `wide area network resource discovery tools', and the state of the art in astronomy and other sciences. This work is essential reading for astronomers, scientists in related disciplines, and all those involved in information storage and retrieval. weiterlesen