This paper explores possibilities for marrying data visualization to online archival finding aids, which have continually suffered from usability issues in their long history. This paper describes a project in which two different data visualization models were built to replace sections of an archival finding aid. Users were then shown the models,…

Explores scientific inquiry as philosophical and behavioral model for online search specialist and information retrieval process. Nature of scientific research is described and online analogs to research concepts of variable, hypothesis formulation and testing, operational definition, validity, reliability, assumption, and cyclical nature of…

Considers a study of two models of name/title-derived search keys in a large online library network. Results predicted by the models are compared with results obtained from actual retrieval behavior of keys entered by users of the system. (FM)

With reference to the "BIOSIS Previews" magnetic tape service of BioSciences Information Service (BIOSIS), marketing patterns of on-line bibliographic products are examined and future possibilities are discussed, with emphasis on geographic distribution of usage, organizations and institutions employing on-line service, and their…

The contradictory nature of the phrase user-oriented interface (UOI) as commonly applied to retrieval systems is discussed, and a different approach to the problem made feasible through improvements in the technology is described. (Author/JPF)

Presents a model that distinguishes between data as directly observable facts, information as structured collections of data, and knowledge as methods of using information. The discussion covers the likely benefits of the use of the model for a semantic information retrieval system using the concept of semantic categories. (28 references)…

Assesses the adequacy of Robert S. Taylor's model of question formulation in the context of online presearch interviews, and presents an altered model which introduces the bearers of needs and makes distinctions about those needs as isolated or negotiated events in the interviews. Thirty-three references are listed. (FM)

Explores inter-record linkage relationships of a bibliographic hypertext system through the use of descriptor term co-occurrences. Using term distribution and term exhaustivity data for an existing system, three models of term co-occurrence are developed and tested against the observed data. (Author/LRW)

Issues involved in integrating new methods of bibliographic and physical access with old ones to create a unified system of periodical article access and identification are identified. Desirable characteristics of a system, a possible model, and suggestions for further research are presented. (Author/JKP)

Discusses use of associative search techniques and theoretical approaches to document retrieval problems contrasting two different ways of improving system performance: appending associative search techniques to conventional document retrieval systems and designing document retrieval systems based on probabilistic design principles. Four…

Examines various ways of dividing the labor of an information search between the person and the system. Different configurations of two dimensions--degree of system involvement in searching and types of search activity carried out by the person or system--are discussed. Recommendations for further research and development are offered. (49…

Describes evolution of an in-house database search service developed by University of British Columbia's Educational Research Services and Computing Center. The tryout phase in developing a model for downloading citations to serve end users as a beginning nucleus for use in microcomputer accessed personal information systems is highlighted. (MBR)

This study conducted to determine representation impact on information items retrieval in terms of precision and recall performance and overlap used the INSPEC "Computers and Control Abstracts" loaded on DIATOM, an online retrieval system based on DIALOG, as the database to be searched. Sixty-nine users provided 84 queries which were…

Provides an analysis of the development of contemporary terrorism research to be used as a model for the analysis of how knowledge in specialized communities evolves and influences decision making regarding policies and programs. The use of online bibliometrics and implications for information retrieval are discussed. (82 references) (Author/LRW)

Provides contextual frameworks for the nature of information technology, the information universe, and the information search as they relate to online information retrieval. Theories on search strategy are reviewed, cognitive models of information seeking are highlighted, and future directions for research on users' search processes are discussed.…