Presents an interaction model and an experimental method for information retrieval. This automated method helps identify which user and system variables are relevant, which are independent of other variables, and which ranges of the variables are most important. Results show that relevance feedback consistently improves retrieval performance. (AEF)

Discussion of library information systems focuses on the idea of including user-supplied data (USD) in libraries' automated catalogs. Hypertext is mentioned, the information explosion and the ability to selectively retrieve information is considered, and the value of user input in evaluating the relevance of material is discussed. (12 references)…

Interactive systems must be designed to furnish error information to the user and must be able to accept a modification to the input and continue to cycle until convergence on the desired output is reached. (10 references) (Author)

Summarizing the methods currently being employed at the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) for user interaction analysis, this study presents suggestions and provides examples for the use of audit trail data available from most online interactive systems. The sample data used in the analysis are from the OCLC online system used for cataloging,…

This report constitutes the proceedings of the ninth Text REtrieval Conference (TREC-9). The conference was co-sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Advanced Research and Development Agency (ARDA). Approximately 175 people attended the conference,…

This report constitutes the proceedings of the 2001 Text REtrieval Conference (TREC 2001). The conference was co-sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Advanced Research and Development Agency (ARDA). Approximately 175 people attended the conference,…

Presents an overview of the IR-NLI II system, an expert interface that allows users to access online information retrieval systems and that encompasses user modeling capabilities. Highlights include the design of the system, the structure and content of stereotypes that represent typical classes of users, and construction of user models.…

Hypermedia and object oriented programming systems (OOPs) represent examples of "open" computer environments that allow the user access to parts of the code or operating system. Both systems share fundamental intellectual concepts (objects, messages, methods, classes, and inheritance), so that an understanding of hypermedia can help in…

The first interactive (on-line) computerized use of the ERIC files by the U.S. Office of Education is reported in the form of an evaluation of the DIALOG system conducted at the ERIC Clearinghouse for Educational Media and Technology. Descriptions of the purposes of the study, of the DIALOG system (developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.),…

Outlines principles underlying the theory of polyrepresentation as it applies to user cognitive space and information space of information retrieval (IR) systems. A discussion and diagram illustrate the interactive communication that takes place between users and IR systems in order to complete work tasks such as retrieving full text information.…

Discusses the CODER system, which was developed to investigate the application of artificial intelligence methods to increase the effectiveness of information retrieval systems, particularly those involving heterogeneous documents. Highlights include the use of PROLOG programing, blackboard-based designs, knowledge engineering, lexicological…

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…

This paper focuses on the task of developing a curriculum system for individual students' unique learning needs. (Author/RK)

Describes the mental coding processes involved in the flow of information when the user is interacting with an enabling information-retrieval (IR) system, or a system designed to stimulate the user's grasping towards a higher understanding of the information need/problem/task that brought the user to the system. (Author/AEF)

Presents an overview of the ways in which user/system interaction in interactive information-retrieval (IR) systems has been treated in IR research and practice over the years. Describes the characteristics of a number of IR systems, as well as proposals for IR systems, in light of challenges set for by John Bennett in 1971. Contains 82…