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)

Describes a study conducted at the University of South Carolina that examined the frequency of occurrence of several types of errors in a sample of natural language queries submitted by users requesting online searches in information retrieval systems. Implications for system design are suggested, including parsing systems. (28 references) (LRW)

Discussion of natural language processing components of information retrieval systems focuses on a full-text system called TOPIC (Text-Oriented Procedures for Information Management and Condensation of Expository Texts) that is based on text parsing. Highlights include design rationales for semantic parsing; text coherence; and a semantic model of…

Examines how informetric characteristics of information retrieval (IR) system databases can be used to help system designers decide what type of file structures would provide the best performance. The development of appropriate models describing database contents is highlighted in this first part of a two-part study. (30 references) (LRW)

Describes a hierarchical text database model and defines an algebra based on concordance lists. The algebra is presented as a theoretical model to define both a conceptual schema for the database and search protocols for database implementation. Several retrieval examples are included. (19 references) (MES)

This second report on a two-part study on the application of informetrics to information retrieval (IR) system design used models of database contents in a factorial simulation study at the University of Western Ontario. The study explored whether different file structures were better suited for different informetric environments. (32 references)…

Discusses access to nontextual documents in large multimedia document bases. A hybrid information retrieval model, using queries in a hypertext environment for location of browsing areas, is presented; and two experiments using cluster-based descriptions of content are reported. (23 references) (EA)

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)

Investigates applicability of inverted file processing in magnetic bubble memories by presenting four magnetic bubble memory models as storage mediums: one based on a major-minor loop configuration; one utilizing a decoder design on a magnetic bubble memory chip; and two based on different structural configurations of the first two. (MBR)

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.…

Describes a project aimed at developing a system to support managers of business software projects by incorporating knowledge acquisition and emphasizing the integration of the manager's tasks. The discussion covers the knowledge acquisition methodology, the architecture of an integrated system, and an overview of project management tasks. (15…

Reports on a study of the size of text windows, defined as a group of words appearing in contiguous position in text, and the effects of varying the window size on information retrieval performance. The characteristics of windows that best match terms in queries are examined in detail. (Contains 10 references.) (KRN)

The records in "Population Bibliography," a database developed by the Library of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, were analyzed to determine the degree to which library policies and practices affected its international development, and to assess the degree to which the database…

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…

Describes the University of Florida's course, Automated Information Sources and Services, and presents the results of a survey of 46 accredited library schools which indicate that instruction provided in online searching is widespread and growing, but that great diversity exists among library schools in instructional goals and objectives. (CWM)