A study was undertaken in 1980-81 to investigate the process of user adaptation to an unfamiliar interactive database search system. Adaptation was defined as performance on, knowledge of, and attitude toward the system being used. The experiment tested 44 students and staff members at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Polytechnic in…

Proposes a method of evaluating information retrieval systems by concentrating on individual tools (commands, their menus or graphic interface equivalents, or a move/stratagem). A user would assess the relative success of a small part of a search, and every tool used in that part would be credited with a contribution to the result. Cumulative…

Intended to teach the principles of interactive bibliographic searching to those with little or no prior experience, this textbook explains the basic elements of online information retrieval and compares the major database search systems. Its chapters address (1) relevant definitions and vocabulary; (2) the conceptual facets of database searching,…

This report describes the development of a design and a small working model for a system for teaching and assisting in the performance of bibliographic on-line searches through the use of an intermediary computer. The system in its present form is intended for direct users of scientific and technical information systems. However, it is felt that…

Reports on the design and implementation of PBS (Parsing, Boolean Recognition, Stemming), a software module used in conjunction with an intermediary program to interpret natural language queries used for online database searching. Results of a test of the initial version, which is designed for use with bibliographic files, are reported. (13…

Reviews research on the design and use of languages for computer programing, information retrieval, and user interaction with computers, and suggests designing interface programs to help users at all proficiency levels, since no single computer language can meet all information retrieval tasks for everyone. Twenty sources are listed. (RBF)

By drawing an analogy to computer programming, it is apparent that end user training for online bibliographic search systems will increase, lead to vastly increased use of online search systems, increase the understanding of end users, and reduce the amount of time professionals spend on routine tasks. (CWM)

Reports on an exploratory study of the measurement of commonality in the use of variables or measures by authors and groups of authors who have reported on studies of information retrieval system users. There is some similarity to cocitation analysis: when two individual papers or two authors over several works, use the same variables, this…

Presents viewpoints on several information retrieval user studies, and contains opinions regarding user characteristics; user training; expression of need or query formulation; conduct of a search; use of language; analysis of retrieved information; and satisfaction with outcome. Recommendations for future studies include classification of users;…

Reports on the development of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System (IIDA), a computer system designed at Drexel University, which serves as an intermediary enabling users to perform complex tasks on another computer. Capabilities of the instruction mode and assistance mode are discussed. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

The realization that the facilities available for the retrieval of scientific and technical information were being underutilized resulted in a project undertaken by the Drexel University School of Library and Information Science to develop a computer intermediary capable of assisting users of scientific and technical information in the performance…

Testing in an industrial setting of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System--an intermediary system designed to train and assist users in conducting computer searches--demonstrates that end users can learn to do bibliographic searches through computer-assisted instruction that are as satisfactory as searches performed for them.…

Reports on a study that compared the behavior of two types of users (search specialists and subject matter specialists with no search experience) with two types of online information retrieval interfaces, including DIALOG. Highlights include data recording via transaction logs, structured interviews, and focus group discussions; and hypothesis…