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,…

Introduction: The perceived information needs of teachers who specialize in reading instruction for at-risk first graders were studied and related to frameworks for the role of social context in information needs, seeking and use. The frameworks considered were: disciplinarity, role theory in work settings, small worlds and information grounds and…

Proposes a new learning algorithm to improve the retrieval effectiveness of the search system used in the hypertext environment using an extended Boolean model with links to improve the ranking of retrieved items. Highlights include the basic retrieval scheme, the learning scheme, and a review of basic probabilistic retrieval models. (Contains 32…

Proposes a management-oriented model for describing and studying information behavior and details the testing of the resulting hypotheses through the use of a database describing the information-related attitudes and behaviors of 560 scientists and engineers. (FM)

Examines basic issues of data mining using the theory of rough sets, a recent proposal for generalizing classical set theory. Demonstrates that a generalized rough set model can be used for generating rules from incomplete databases. Discusses the importance of rule extraction from incomplete databases in data mining. (AEF)

Presents a new model of searching in online and other information systems, and reviews the literature of manual information seeking behavior for suggestions of capabilities users might like in online systems. Based on the model--called "berrypicking"--and research, suggestions are made for how new search capabilities could be implemented…

Examines the traditional, historical applications of abstracts and summary notes by individual authors in typical databases in order to assess and develop applications for Internet information retrieval. Highlights include information seeking; guidelines for writers; models of abstracts and summary notes; metadata; and Internet standards,…

To generate a search query based on an end-user request, a database searcher has to select appropriate search terms. A selection process is simulated for 94 records of written requests to a psychological information agency and the respective online searches. Results show that the simulation is better than a random selection. (AEF)

Discusses information retrieval as an inherently interactive process utilizing a variety of information-seeking strategies on informational and meta-informational levels. An interface design for a bibliographic information retrieval system, called BRAQUE (BRowsing And QUEry), that supports user interactions in a two-level hypertext environment is…

A future, automated, interactive, knowledge delivery system for use by researchers was tested using a manual cognitive model. Conceptualized from schema/frame/script theories in cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, this hypothetical system was simulated by two psychologists who interacted with four researchers in microbiology to…

Presents results of five experiments on human information-seeking behavior in different online information-seeking environments which studied search strategies and assessed information value in realistic search environments. A conceptual model of how humans value information is presented. Empirical and modeling results are considered for…

Presents findings from four studies of the prevalence of multitasking information seeking and searching by Web (via the Excite search engine), information retrieval system (mediated online database searching), and academic library users. Highlights include human information coordinating behavior (HICB); and implications for models of information…

This exploratory investigation of the process of defining the information needs of computer users and the impact of that process on information retrieval focuses on communication problems. Six sites were visited that used computers to process data or to provide information, including the California Department of Transportation, the California…

As a way to teach database searching skills, students in a nursing research class were paired with, and performed literature searches for, faculty members or community health care professionals. Because students did not formulate questions or initial search terms, they concentrated on the search process, learning how professionals find and use…

Describes preliminary results of a study that examined the effect of individual differences on the use of CD-ROM databases by novice undergraduate users. Factors considered include age, sex, native language, major, computer literacy, computer affinity, personality traits, learning style, visual ability, and perceived usefulness of the system. A…