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…

Investigated the impact of term frequencies, term distributions, and indexing exhaustivity on the representation of document spaces in a visual, vector-based retrieval environment. Compares document-space densities and discusses visualization techniques, term weights, and implications for automatic indexing in information retrieval systems.…

Describes an experiment comparing the performance of an automatic full-text indexing software for personal computers (i.e., the Quick-Finder facility in WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows) with the human intellectual assignment of indexing terms to each document in a collection. Results are discussed in terms of ease of use, the time factor, and recall…

Highlights the recent development of dynamic archival strategies for managing and achieving intellectual control over records. Discussion includes a definition of archival description; standards of archival description; the Australian "series" system approach to description and intellectual control of records; metadata and recordkeeping…

Discusses the adoption of the pinyin Romanization standard over Wade-Giles and considers the impact on retrieval in online library catalogs. Describes an investigation that tested three factors that could influence retrieval efficiency: the number of usable syllables, the average number of letters per syllable, and users' familiarity with the…

Discusses the development of descriptive standards in the international archival community, then focuses on the "International Standards for Archival Description (General)" ("ISAD(G)") and its second edition. Discusses principles of archival description, the International Council on Archives, and the main characteristics of…

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;…

Presents abstracts of papers presented at the 29th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS) held in Quebec on May 27-29, 2001. Topics include: professional development; librarian/library roles; information technology uses; virtual libraries; information seeking behavior; literacy; information retrieval;…

Describes a study that investigated how bibliographic instruction in Canadian academic libraries is evolving to meet the users' needs for information-literacy skills in light of electronic technologies and their effects on information retrieval. Discusses the teaching of critical evaluation and research strategies and the incorporation of more…

Discusses the problem of establishing terminology for mental models, attempts to sort out the various meanings found in the literature, and offers definitions that could help in developing a more standardized terminology for discussing issues of concern to researchers in human-computer interaction. The role of mental models in learning and using…

Describes a study that was conducted at the School of Library and Information Science, University of Western Ontario, to examine search behavior of users in a hypertext information retrieval system. The effects of gender, search task, and search experience on two search options--analytical or browsing--are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)