HIT methodology for conceptual data structure design is briefly described and exemplified. Main features of the methodology are the natural formalism of the description of conceptual schema, and an easy-to-understand graphical way of communication between both the designer and individual experts substituting future users. (Author/MBR)

This paper examines representative research in information science and compares its designs to an abstract ideal of the experimental research design. Threats to validity of conclusions are highlighted, including history, maturation, testing, instrumentation, statistical regression, selection biases, experimental mortality, and selection-maturation…

Demonstrates that hierarchical naming schemes--one with a single namespace and fixed root spread over all machines in a distributed system, and a second with total namespace composed of some aggregation of individual namespaces of each component system's filestores--can coexist in distributed computer systems. Combined system's design is…

Describes how operations on local inverted files are to be modified in order to use them in distributed information retrieval systems based on thesauri. The presented rules may be viewed as the logical approach in implementing a distributed retrieval system consisting of n local retrieval systems. (Author/MBR)

Explains a new methodology for thesaurus design that is specifically geared for use by novice end-users, and describes a faceted hierarchical thesaurus organization which provides an economical information retrieval system in a corporate setting. (Author/LRW)

Offers characterization of sign-transmission which is more general than conventional signal-transmission theory. Concepts and terminology, formal description of individual communications process, reconciliation with classical signal-detection theory, applications of sign-detection formalism to information retrieval on MEDLINE database, and a…

Focuses on the role of the computer system in group decision making. Two systems used in solving negotiating problems--NEGO and MEDIATOR--and three procedures that can be utilized to develop group decision support systems are analyzed, based on multicriteria decision analysis and mathematical programming models. (Author/LRW)

Describes an expert system which provides users who have information needs with terms to express search queries; introduces principles on which the system's behavior is based; describes the system's main procedures and decision rules; presents an example of system use; and outlines possible improvements in system search and evaluation procedures.…

Discusses data model role in an office filing facility, office data model requirements, and various modelling paradigms for office data modelling. Data model application to a typical collection of office data is presented, filing and retrieval operations are illustrated, and proposed research into other office data modelling aspects is outlined.…

Discussion of the need for distributed information retrieval systems focuses on a model system, Fulcrum FUL/Text. Differences from distributed database management systems are described; system design is discussed; implementation requirements are explained including remote operation calls (ROC's); and a prototype simulation model based on FUL/Text…

Presents a formal model for specification of logical requirements of computer-based information systems that incorporates structural and dynamic aspects based on two separate models: the Logical Information Processing Structure and the Logical Information Processing Network. The model's role in systems development is discussed. (MBR)

Based on an international workshop held at Rutgers University, this article discusses problems and issues in the design, research, and implementation of distributed expert-based information systems (DEBIS). Information needs of end users are stressed, architectures for expert information retrieval systems are explored, and prototype models are…

Examines novel computer filing systems which have particular application to office information storage and retrieval requirements. A variety of filing systems and their major characteristics are reviewed, ranging from network-based file servers to digital image storage and retrieval systems. Desirable characteristics of a modern electronic office…

Describes experiment designed to assess information value for individual searchers in realistic search environment. Included in data analysis are comparison of two alternative retrieval methods, evaluation of how well humans are able to estimate document relevance, and investigation of value function components (features and coefficients) and…

Presents results of five experiments on human information-seeking behavior in different online information-seeking environments which studied search strategies and assessed information value in realistic search environments. A conceptual model of how humans value information is presented. Empirical and modeling results are considered for…