Analysis of the searching behavior of human intermediaries revealed a routine for selection of search keys--free-text or controlled vocabulary--along a decision tree. Examples of decision rules demonstrate that these rules can be automated to significantly enhance the adaptability of intermediary expert systems. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Describes a study of professional searchers that investigated their decisions about using search terms. The use of descriptors from a controlled vocabulary versus the use of textwords for free-text searching is examined, searching styles and differences in subject areas are discussed, and the quality of thesauri and indexing is considered. (six…

Describes various modifications of query formulations, or moves, made by experienced online searchers to improve search results. Operational moves that modify query formulation while keeping meaning of query components unchanged and conceptual moves that change meaning of query components are described; all moves are then related to search tactics…