How much information do natural systems store and process? In this work we attempt to answer this question in multiple ways. We first establish a mathematical framework where natural systems are represented by a canonical form of edge-labeled hidden fc models called e-machines. Then, utilizing this framework, a variety of measures are defined and…

This paper demonstrates an approach which enables one to reduce in a systematic way the immense complexity of a large body of knowledge. This approach provides considerable insight into what is known and unknown in a given academic field by systematically and pragmatically ordering the information. As a case study, the authors selected…

A RETRIEVAL MODEL WAS DEVELOPED FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ON THE BASIS OF VARIED WORK EXPERIENCE AND ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES. THE MODEL IS BASED ON SHANNON'S COMMUNICATION MODEL BUT IDENTIFIES THE WOULD BE READER, OR DESTINATION OF RECORDED MESSAGES, AS THE ACTIVATOR OF RETRIEVAL SERVICES. TWO MAIN…

Information systems for the sciences and professions should differ from those of traditional libraries because their purpose is to disseminate information, not to archive it, and their holdings should reflect user needs, not the size of the knowledge base. Various information system models may be identified, such as the discipline-oriented, the…

One of man's most distinctive characteristics is the manner in which he stores and communicates information. Language has always been an important part of this process, but recently machines have begun to share the spotlight. This book presents a look at the role of language in the process of communication and man's relation, present and future,…

This research proposes a conceptual structure for an Environmental Information System. An Eco-Systems approach is employed maintaining whole units of analysis allowing for collection and storage of information of use to regional environmental planning and design. The suggested system design incorporates some of the basic concepts of the two…

The twenty-second in a series, this report describes research in information organization and retrieval conducted by the Department of Computer Science at Cornell University. The report covers work carried out during the period summer 1972 through summer 1974 and is divided into four parts: indexing theory, automatic content analysis, feedback…

Following an introduction providing background on the role of information, modern methods of information transfer and the theoretical bases of information systems are described. A second section deals with practical aspects of information services practices and operational management problems. A final section examines the specialized character of…