Purpose: The paper aims to assess the utility of non-agriculture-specific information systems, databases, and respective controlled vocabularies (thesauri) in organising and retrieving agricultural information. The purpose is to identify thesaurus-linked tree structures, controlled subject headings/terms (heading words, descriptors), and principal…

This article examines how finding aids are structured and delivered, considering alternative approaches. It suggests that single-level displays, those that present a single component of a multilevel description to users at a time, have the potential to transform the delivery and display of collection information while improving the user…

In this paper, we propose a syntax-based text retrieval system for on-line language learning and use a fast regular expression search engine as its main component. Regular expression searches provide more scalable querying and search results than keyword-based searches. However, without a well-designed index scheme, the execution time of regular…

With the advent of the World Wide Web, many business applications that utilize data mining and text mining techniques to extract useful business information on the Web have evolved from Web searching to Web mining. It is important for students to acquire knowledge and hands-on experience in Web mining during their education in information systems…

Compares database update currency, number of hits, elapsed time, number of offline prints or online types, offline print turnaround time, vendor rates, total search cost, and discounted search cost based on vendor discount rates for five simple searches run on three major commercial vendors' online systems. (CWM)

This report describes a real-time simulation experiment to evaluate the performance of the search and editing system 3RIP, an interactive system written in the language BLISS on a DEC-10 computer. The test vehicle, preliminary test runs, and capacity test are detailed, and the following conclusions are reported: (1) 3RIP performs well up to the…

Discusses problems facing naive users of interactive information systems (IIS) that have been identified through classroom research. Impediments to successful use of IIS are students' inability to make use of non-text-based information sources and difficulty choosing appropriate search strategies. Mental models developed by users may provide clues…

Compares features of selective dissemination of information service in information retrieval systems Quest and Orbit with those of smaller noncommercial system, George 3. Construction of profiles, editing during construction, and editing of stored profiles are noted. Examples of method of constructing and editing a profile in George 3 are…

Reports on two studies in the second Text Retrieval Conference (TREC-2) program that investigated the effect on retrieval performance of combination of multiple representations of TREC topics. Six methods of query combinations and the combination of the same queries on different databases are examined. Results show that combining evidence from…

Examines the problems of developing a framework and testbed for quantitative assessment of image retrieval effectiveness. To better harness the extensive research on content-based retrieval and improve capabilities of image retrieval systems, this article advocates the establishment of common image retrieval testbeds consisting of standardized…

A better understanding of the skills and knowledge needed by the grants coordinator in seeking prospective funding agencies can contribute to both more efficient use of that function and better use of new computer technology for pre-award management. (MSE)

Explores aspects of information retrieval complexity, specifically the demands on users and information systems, using a proposed query as an example. Discusses previous writings on subject access, search strategies and retrieval potential, and classification as a retrieval tool. An appendix shows the subject headings assigned to books in a…

Testing in an industrial setting of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System--an intermediary system designed to train and assist users in conducting computer searches--demonstrates that end users can learn to do bibliographic searches through computer-assisted instruction that are as satisfactory as searches performed for them.…

Explores the concepts of interaction and interactivity presented in different theoretical models in the fields of human-computer interaction (HCI) and information-seeking/searching behavior, and relates these to information retrieval (IR) research. Suggests that interaction in HCI is primarily concerned with establishing a user/system dialogue at…

Describes the components and capabilities of expert systems, discusses the use of such systems in library information applications, and outlines research being done in this area. A project aimed at the development of an expert system for referral services is described in detail, and implications for future research are discussed. (CLB)