Based on systematic observations of five experienced online searchers, this model compares two searching styles: operationalist, which aims at optimal strategies to achieve precise retrieval and uses a large range of system capabilities, and conceptualist, which analyzes the request by seeking to fit it into a faceted structure. (13 references)…

Examines two primary roles played by natural language processing in storage and retrieval of information and outlines organization of natural language interface for data retrieval (question-answering system) and approaches being taken to text analysis. Research issues in computational linguistics and interactive knowledge acquisition are…

Describes an experiment with the goals of: (1) linking the resources of a large university library and a public library, (2) exploring the usefulness of a high-speed system for transmitting printed library materials, and (3) examining current information seeking patterns and their adaptability to technological systems. (Author/TS)

Reports on the development of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System (IIDA), a computer system designed at Drexel University, which serves as an intermediary enabling users to perform complex tasks on another computer. Capabilities of the instruction mode and assistance mode are discussed. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Discusses intelligent front-end processors designed to impose uniform standards on multiple databases and assist searchers, including motivation for development, prototypes from research community, commercial systems using microcomputers, capabilities and problems encountered in developing Franklin Institute's Online Database Search Assistance…

Suggests the designation of overlapping hierarchies in thesauri, first outlined in 1973, as a key element in progress towards a successful man-machine partnership. Article updates, expands, and provides theoretical background of 1973 proposal; postulates use of the UDC; and suggests means of distinguishing overlapping terms from other…

Focuses on human behavior in the information-seeking process, and identifies behaviors influencing the design of information retrieval system interfaces. Discusses the principles of saturation, concreteness, least resistance, familiarity, stimulation, certainty, simplicity, and following-form. (PEN)

Presents evidence to show that the body plays a continuing and fundamental part in the process of thinking and the development of the knowledge used to think. Topics discussed include knowledge structures and representations; artificial intelligence; feeling; learning processes; models of knowledge; information retrieval; and implications for…

Discusses methods for the retrieval of help knowledge items using graphical tree structures that conform to the hierarchical nature of the tutorial information being referenced. The implementation of "Study Tree Presenter," a special purpose "hypertext shell" that provides such access is described and several samples of screen…

Discussion of the use of dynamic data resources, such as Internet LISTSERVs or Usenet newsgroups, focuses on an experiment using an automated filtering system with Usenet newsgroups. Highlights include user satisfaction, based on retrieval size, data sources, and user interface and the need for some human mediation. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

Discussion of users and information retrieval systems highlights a study that investigated the representation of users' knowledge by examining their names for objects and concepts, agreement on names, the Library of Congress Subject Headings representation for similar objects and concepts, and measurement of the similarity between these…

Unlike conventional information retrieval systems, natural language processing (NLP) systems translate queries automatically into the language of the system. This paper discusses the potential impact of NLP on both the indexing and retrieval of text and examines some current NLP projects and systems that have established knowledge bases in narrow…

Introduces navigation as a central concept for information retrieval and for information systems in general. The evolution of information systems is described; navigability as an aid to improve relevance is discussed; and a system under development that attempts to facilitate navigation for information retrieval is described. (31 references) (LRW)

Discussion of virtual reality (VR) focuses on the promise that VR offers for information systems by describing current systems which use VR and by projecting possible developments for the future. Types of information problems which could be helped by VR are considered, as well as those that could not be helped. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)