This thesis work is mainly focused on two problems related to improving accessibility of information graphics for visually impaired users. The first problem is automated analysis of information graphics for information extraction and the second problem is multi-modal representations for accessibility. Information graphics are graphical…

Text similarity measurements are used to determine relationships between natural-language texts and text excerpts. The resulting linked hypertext maps can be broken down into text segments and themes used to identify different text types and structures, leading to improved information access and utilization. Examples are provided for text…

Surveys theoretical and practical issues associated with pictorial information retrieval. Concentrating on still and moving pictorial forms of the visual image, this paper focuses on indexing pictorial material and discusses four models of pictorial information retrieval corresponding with permutations of the verbal and visual modes for the…

This set of papers offers insights into some of the major developments in the field of classification and knowledge organization, and highlights many of the fundamental changes in views and theories which have taken place during the last 40 years. This document begins with a series of reminiscences from former delegates of the first International…

Applies theories about organizational information processing to better understand the influences on method of access and on effects of using online information. Explores the extent to which organizational differences also influence these variables, what the positive and negative outcomes from using online commercial databases are, and how those…

Discusses the 1995 OCLC/NCSA Metadata Workshop that met to define a standard set of data elements for describing network-accessible information resources. These document data elements had to be simple enough for authors and publishers to use, to facilitate discovery and retrieval, and to be useful as a basis for descriptive cataloging. (JKP)

Librarians and information scientists have debated whether traditional cataloging methods can bring order to the Internet. Reviews literature on alternative strategies for organizing and accessing information resources on the Internet that incorporate some aspect of traditional library expertise, including library catalogs, subject trees,…

Presents two storage models and several other associated models for the presentation of multimedia documents. Analysis of these models reveals their capacity to synchronize various temporal scenarios while allowing users simultaneous and secure access to multimedia systems. Discusses theoretical foundations, information processing, multimedia…

Explores the disaggregation (ability to access/manipulate individual components of a document) and reaggregation (compilation of article components into a new written work) of scientific and technical journal articles by students and faculty members. Results lead to a discussion of metadata, the role of context in constraining component use, and…

The Government Information Locator Service (GILS) is a response to the need of users to be able to identify, locate, and access or acquire publicly available federal information resources. GILS uses ANSI/NISO Z39.50, the American National Standard for information retrieval, and other relevant standards to support the deployment of agency-based,…

Building on previous discussions of Federal information inventory locator systems (FILS), this report explores issues related to FILS and identifies policy and implementation options that can best meet the competing rationales and requirements for FILS. The concept of a Government-wide Information Inventory/Locator System is explored, and it is…

Charged with facilitating access to scientific and technical information (STI) databases, online services, and networks relevant to the conduct and management of research and engineering programs, the Defense Technical Information Center was designated as the Department of Defense (DoD) focal point for the development of an intelligent gateway…

Reviews the literature on legal information systems/CALR (computer-assisted legal research) and law office automation, including legal expert systems and information technology applications relevant to legal education and courts. The new phenomenon of Internet use in the field of law is also discussed. Contains 128 references. (AEF)

This study continues the research reported in "Federal Information Inventory/Locator Systems: From Burden to Benefit: Final Report" (McClure, et al., 1990). Begun May 1, 1991, and completed in August 1992, this exploratory and descriptive research was intended to improve access to and use of U.S. Government information. Its methodology…