Forty end-users with individual information problems from an academic environment were observed, interacting with six professional intermediaries searching on their behalf in large operational systems. Conceptual categories of users' reasons for assigning particular value ratings on the value of search results and relationships between these…

Presents an overview of feedback within the cybernetics and social frameworks. These feedback concepts are then compared with the interactive feedback concept evolving within the framework of information seeking and retrieving, based on their conceptualization of the feedback loop and notion of information. (Author/AEF)

Examines traditional and interactive models that have emerged in information retrieval (IR), and proposes an interactive IR model based on different levels in the interactive processes. Analyzes strengths and weaknesses of the traditional model. Concludes with general remarks on the state of IR interaction research. (Author/AEF)

Freedom from the necessity for technical understanding of online technology allows librarians to focus on the human factors in online interaction. This article discusses estimates of Web use, need for user assistance, alternative sources of information, information overload and relevance, Internet identities, pornography and library policy, and…

Describes a model of information retrieval as social interaction, which distinguishes between three types of information interaction goals: (1) task-oriented; (2) topically oriented; and (3) those centered around situation assessment (SA). Results suggest that SA is an important cognitive activity in new information retrieval environments; SA…

The Visual Analysis System (VAS) was developed to couple emerging successes in data mining with information visualization techniques in order to create a richly interactive environment for information retrieval from the World Wide Web. VAS's retrieval strategy operates by first using a conventional search engine to form a core set of retrieved…

Discusses changes of focus, or interaction shifts, (readily observed in mediated database searching) between search intermediaries and users during information retrieval interactions. Presents results in terms of frequency of shifts in each interaction; classification scheme for shifts; frequency of shifts for each class; and intensity of focus on…

Examines Web users' behaviors and needs and tests a methodology for studying users' interaction with the Web. A process-tracing technique, together with tests of cognitive style, anxiety levels, and self-report computer experience, provided data on how users interact with the Web in the process of finding factual information. (Author/AEF)

The field of computer applications in education, characterized by continuous change in technology and nomenclature, is documented by diverse information sources. This paper names methods of organizing information on computer-based instructional systems and lists sources under literature surveys and reviews, conferences and symposia (1965-68,…