A method of selecting at least one record from a data base having a plurality of records, wherein each record has data fields in predetermined categories, comprising the steps of:
- continuously displaying a plurality of category names at respective coordinates on a display medium so that at least some of said category names are displayed simultaneously, each of said category names corresponding to at least one of said predetermined categories;
- forming dynamic lists for respective ones of a plurality of said displayed category names by converting the corresponding data fields in the records in the data base into search terms;
- discarding all duplicate search terms from said dynamic lists;
- establishing a plurality of search term display locations on said display medium for respective ones of said displayed category names and said formed dynamic lists;
- sequentially displaying said search terms in one of said dynamic lists at their search term display location on said display medium, one at a time, upon sequential application of a scrolling control;
- selecting a desired first search term for a search request from said one dynamic list when the search term is displayed in its search term display location on said display medium;
- selecting at least one additional one of said displayed category names corresponding to another one of said predetermined categories;
- sequentially displaying said search terms in at least one additional one of said dynamic lists which corresponds to said at least one additional selected one of said displayed category names, and also sequentially displaying said search terms in any additional dynamic lists which have been formed and which correspond to any additional selected ones of said displayed category names, at their respective search term display locations on said display medium, one at time, upon sequential application of the scrolling control;
- selecting a desired search term for said search request from at least said one additional dynamic list when the search term is displayed in its respective search term display location on said display medium;
- and
- retrieving from said data base one or more records matching said search request.