Describes a computerized information retrieval system that uses three agglomerative hierarchic clustering algorithms--single link, complete link, and group average link--and explains their implementations. It is noted that these implementations have been used to cluster a collection of 12,000 documents. (LRW)

Presents a method for using the amount of semantic information in search-query terms as a weighting factor in constructing a fuzzy relation of resemblance between retrieved items in information retrieval online. Two tables, two figures, and a reference list accompany the text. (Author/JL)

Discussion of retrieval overlap and relevant overlap focuses on an analysis of data from an earlier study on overlap among document representations. This new analysis investigated the odds that an item was judged relevant when it was retrieved by two search fields as opposed to being retrieved by only one field. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Compares two methods of information retrieval--one that rates documents according to a query and another that uses relevant documents to find further relevant documents (i.e., neighboring documents). Highlights include experiments at the National Library of Medicine; feedback; vector cosine retrieval; and a measure of retrieval effectiveness…

Explains a new methodology for thesaurus design that is specifically geared for use by novice end-users, and describes a faceted hierarchical thesaurus organization which provides an economical information retrieval system in a corporate setting. (Author/LRW)

A report of several comparisons designed to measure the retrieval effectiveness of machined-aided indexing and manual indexing. (Author)

Summarizes the best known methods of using the signature file access method as a storage structure in information retrieval in nonbusiness applications of multimedia data. The relationships between application area, type of data, and signature file organization are emphasized. Results are summarized in a selection guide. (Contains 26 references.)…

Discussion of relevance and the needs of the users in information retrieval focuses on a deductive object-oriented approach and suggests eight inference rules for the deduction. Highlights include characteristics of a deductive object-oriented system, database and data modeling language, implementation, and user interface. (Contains 24…

An iterative method for information retrieval is presented using searchonyms found from previously retrieved set of documents in query expansion. Large operational bibliographic databases are used to simulate behavior of this method which selects most informative features as searchonyms to be used in query reformulation. Ten references are listed.…

Discussion of a new method of index term dictionary compression in an inverted-file-oriented database highlights a technique of word coding, which generates short fixed-length codes obtained from the index terms themselves by analysis of monogram and bigram statistical distributions. Substantial savings in communication channel utilization are…

Updates the comparison of the ELHILL (currently ELHILL 3, formerly ELHILL 2) and STAIRS programs as they affect on-line searching of the MEDLARS citation file. (Author)

The structure of a retrospective information retrieval system that uses equifrequent word or text fragments is described, and its advantages over word oriented systems are mentioned briefly. (Author)

Implementation of relevance feedback explored here demonstrates feasibility of query reformulation for boolean retrievals from online databases. Improvements to a term prevalence formula used in earlier research are presented, along with experimental results that confirm crucial role of term weights in relevance feedback. Seven references are…

The current state of information retrieval (IR) evaluation is reviewed with criticisms directed at the available test collections and the research and evaluation methodologies used, including precision and recall rates for online searches and laboratory tests not including real users. Automatic text retrieval systems are also discussed. (32…

Discusses indeterminancy of selection of terms by indexers and by inquirers as major factors influencing subject access to documents in document retrieval systems. Five types of interactions between these two indeterminancies are discussed, and a change in traditional method of subject searching is suggested to reduce effect of inter-indexer…