Examines previous research on keyword-search techniques and evaluates a keyword classification scheme. Compiled a list of 1056 management information systems (MIS) keywords from 14,676 articles in 27 (MIS) journals and compared it to an existing list (Barki). Concludes that a comprehensive keyword-classification system is needed for enhanced MIS…

The last installment in a three part series compares commands and features for accessing and manipulating the results obtained from the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include enhancements to syntax and defaults, options for output arrangement and retrieval, reformatting of selected data, memory, unique features, and examples.…

This second of a three-part series compares search features (i.e., truncation symbols, boolean operators, proximity operators, phrase searching, save searches) of two databases providing legal information. Search tips concerning charges and effective searching and tables listing functions of commands and proximity operators for both databases are…

Aspects of Data Fusion (DF) for information retrieval are explored. Based on a geometrical model of DF, it is shown that in the ideal case, performance of DF for a pair of information retrieval schemes may be approximated by a quadratic polynomial. Compares counter-intuitive cases of DF with cases that behave according to the geometric model. (AEF)

Second article in a three-part series focuses on enhancements of search commands and features in the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include system responses and capacities (aids to searching); search commands and features (proximity searching, field specification, limits); concatenating complex requests; and saving search…

This paper compares strengths and weaknesses of the Lexis and Westlaw computer assisted legal research systems. Their powerful full text document delivery capabilities are contrasted with their inherent limitations as information retrieval systems. The objective here is to alert users to the complexities of online legal searching and the necessity…

First of a three-part series provides an overview of pre-enhancement DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems including their histories, databases, query languages, and services. Description of implementation of DIALOG Version 2 and QUESTEL PLUS and a general comparison of system features provide a preview of specific comparisons in part 2. (EJS)

A task-oriented, comparative evaluation between four Web retrieval systems was performed; two using query-biased summarization, and two using the standard ranked titles/abstracts approach. Results indicate that query-biased summarization techniques appear to be more useful and effective in helping users gauge document relevance than the…

Presents analysis of online search patterns within user searching sessions of National Library of Medicine ELHILL system and examines user search patterns on the CATLINE database. Data previously analyzed on MEDLINE database for same period is used to compare the performance parameters of different databases within the same information system.…

Union catalogs and distributed search systems are two ways users can locate materials in print and electronic formats. This article examines the advantages and limitations of both approaches and argues that they should be considered complementary rather than competitive. Discusses technologies creating linkage between catalogs and databases and…

Compares two natural language processing search engines, WIN (WESTLAW Is Natural) and FREESTYLE, developed by LEXIS. Legal issues in natural language queries were presented to identical libraries in both systems. Results showed that the editorials enhanced relevance; a search would be more thorough using both databases; and if only one system were…

This last installment in a three-part series covers several important areas in the searching of legal information: online (group) training and customer service, documentation (search manuals and other aids), account representatives, microcomputer software, and pricing. Advantages and drawbacks of both the LEXIS and WESTLAW databases are noted.…

Compares users' self-reported and observed usability problems within a Web-based information system. Participants were asked to complete a specific list of tasks within the system, after which they answered several questions regarding the system's usability. While, advanced users generally completed the tasks in less time than novices, the number…

Retrieval performance of the iso-content-based angle similarity measure within the angle, distance, conjunction, disjunction, and ellipse retrieval models is compared with retrieval performance of the distance similarity measure and the angle similarity measure. Results show the iso-content-based angle similarity measure achieves satisfactory…

To assist engineering students to "view" and access online engineering information sources in a layered manner, Engineering Information Sources and Access (EISA) was developed. Discussed are design features of EISA's front-end, ATEIS. The level of interoperability was compared across four controlled vocabularies on selected terms for targeted user…