Describes a cluster-based information retrieval procedure that can significantly reduce the computational requirements of the single linkage method, while still maintaining the retrieval effectiveness of the resulting classifications. Use of nearest neighbors, experimental details, and results and conclusions are highlighted. Fourteen references…

Presents survey of two groups of databases covering patent literature: patent literature only and general literature that includes patents relevant to subject area of database. Description of databases and comparison tables for patent and general databases (cost, country coverage, years covered, update frequency, file size, and searchable data…

Reports of two experimental studies of uses of citing statements to augment full-text information retrieval of biomedical papers indicate that 78 percent of the words in computer-recognized citing statements were correctly attributable to corresponding cited papers, and computer procedures missed four percent of the words in the actual statements.…

This paper discusses examples of searching vocabularies, i.e., lists of terms which have been prepared with the online searcher, rather than the indexer, in mind. These lists are categorized as: enhanced thesauri or subject heading lists, synonym listings, index term listings, and merged vocabularies. Eight references are provided. (EJS)

Argues that business-communication instructors can aid students in their research by introducing them to the terminology and functions of an efficient Web-search process. Discusses the operation of four search tools: Web directories, search engines, indexes, and spiders or robots. Discusses Boolean logic, and other ways to improve the productivity…

Describes research designed to improve automatic pre-coordinate term indexing by applying language analysis techniques to identify term sources in requests, and to generate variant expressions of concepts involved for document text searching. Text analysis, term extraction, variant generation, and retrieval trial are highlighted. Thirteen…

Query forms used in library information systems are expressed in a generalized notation. Three relations, the FIELD, the inverse FIELD and the RECORD, are defined to express file access operations in known-item and subject searches, browsing, clustering operations, and truncation and word proximity searching. Eighteen references are cited. (EJS)

Presents conceptual framework for organization of factors (independent variables) affecting online bibliographic retrieval. Roles that variables play in research studies are described and examples considering various elements--setting, user, request, database, search system, searcher, search process, search outcome--are provided. Twenty-one…

Describes the development and evaluation of a new classification system for fiction which is based on an analysis of users' formulations of needs. Problems of concept identification (author's intention, citation order, vocabulary control, and choice of access terms) are highlighted. Examples of questions used in retrieval tests and 20 references…

Computerized searching of bibliographic databases useful in women's history studies is discussed. The particular material available in machine-readable form and aspects of searching for it are reviewed. How to arrange for a search is also explained. A number of databases and search services are described. (Author/EF)

Reviews search process, with particular attention to search process, at 24 target sites in western United States. Found hiring patterns reflected a reliance on traditional and outmoded criteria and western states hired few minorities for deans of student services. Recommends actions to improve representation of Asians, Hispanics, and Native…

Methods to make computer searching as simple and efficient as possible have led to the development of various data structures. Data structures specify the items involved in searching and what can be done to them. The nature and advantages of using "self-adjusting" data structures (self-adjusting binary search trees) are discussed. (JN)

Report on use of the microcomputer for information storage and retrieval (ISR) notes hardware (floppy disks, keyboard, screen, printer); functions of ISR software; standardization of the operating system; database creation; data entry; indexing; search process; choice of ISR software package; software market and user; training and instruction; and…

Discusses major features and capabilities of gateway software--microcomputer software packages that act as interfaces between users and bibliographic retrieval systems they are searching--i.e., communication, interface, auxiliary programs. Four programs (In-Search, Universal Online Searcher, Search Helper, microDisclosure) are reviewed and…

Four artificial intelligence (AI) concepts that have relevance for information retrieval systems are discussed and applied to area of authority control in automated catalogs--pattern recognition, representation, problem solving, learning. Existing automated authority control systems are analyzed using two other AI concepts, augmentation and…