Introduces a special issue on research on hypertext systems and information retrieval. Systems design aspects, including navigation models, link weighting, multiple representation techniques, automatic authoring, user modelling, varying levels of abstraction, and evaluation techniques are addressed. (EA)

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…

Discusses and examines two approaches to concept-based retrieval of hypermedia information that improve a user's ability to navigate large systems--term indexing with semantically coupled thesauri and semantic hyperindexing. Visualization of index structures is discussed, and an example, the Cube of Contents retrieval model for the "Active…

Describes a collaborative, reuse hypertext system, called MUCH (Many Using and Creating Hypertext). The novel browsing and retrieval characteristics of the system are based on a semantic net connecting documents, thesauri, and discussions. Word patterns are documented for reuse, creating and reorganizing network traversal according to user…

Describes SHRIF, a System for Heuristic Retrieval of Information and Facts, and the medical knowledge base that was used in its development. Highlights include design decisions; the user-machine interface, including the language processor; and the organization of the knowledge base in an artificial intelligence (AI) project like this one. (57…