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)

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)…

Describes a study of undergraduate students' search sessions on a full-text information retrieval system, NEXIS, that was conducted (1) to evaluate a novice user's ability to use such an information retrieval system, and (2) to analyze users' information seeking behavior. Sense-making theory and timeline interviews are discussed. (38 references)…

Standard machine-readable bibliographic format for films was expanded for use in cataloging a medical illustrations collection at University of California. SNOMED and Medical Subject Headings are stored in computer catalog records and used to produce precoordinated terms for indexes to collection. Twenty-five references and summary of MARC format…

Results of investigation of exploitation costs of INSPEC database in selective dissemination of information service are presented. Parameters which influence exploitation costs--time spent looking for information, information query length, number of answers, time spent modifying user's query, and amount of modification--are analyzed. Six…

Discusses importance of academic planning and describes a model-based decision support system for academic units in a university hierarchy. This system integrates macro-level decisions by examining individual departments' budgets to determine future plans. Quantitative techniques for forecasting change are reviewed, including use of spreadsheet…

Describes a study of medical students that was conducted to evaluate measures of performance on factual searches of INQUIRER, a full-text database in microbiology. Measures relating to recall, precision, search term overlap, and efficiency are discussed; reliability and construct validity are considered; and implications for future research are…