Discusses background and theory underlying a design study for an interactive information retrieval system funded by the British Library Research and Development Department which will determine structural representations of anomalous states of knowledge (ASKs) underlying information needs. References are cited. (EJS)

Part Three of this five part report on Salton's Magical Automatic Retriever of Texts (SMART) project contains four papers. The first: "Variations on the Query Splitting Technique with Relevance Feedback" by T. P. Baker discusses some experiments in relevance feedback performed with variations on the technique of query splitting. The…

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

The results of personal interviews with 18 of the more experienced online searchers in Washington State are presented. A profile of respondents determines the experience of each in searching in years, number of searches per month, vendors used, and most used data bases. This information is used to analyze the answers given to questions about the…

Examines usage patterns of ELHILL retrieval program of National Library of Medicine's MEDLARS system. Based on sample of 6,759 searches, the study analyzes frequency of various commands, classifies messages issued by system, and investigates searcher error rates. Suggestions for redesigning program and query language are noted. Seven references…

Describes a series of studies conducted to determine how ERIC online searchers were using free and controlled vocabulary in their search statements and to understand relevance implications of the resultant differences. (SW)

A study of patron use of the University of Illinois online circulation system (LCS) found that 56 percent of original known item searches and 86 percent of location searches were successful, and that graduate students use the system very differently from the way undergraduates use it. (FM)

Describes the digitization projects being undertaken by publishers to provide long runs of back issues of newspapers and journal articles, and the necessary indexing tools, to meet the need for older materials. Discusses search capabilities, links, the addition of metadata, and usage statistics. (LRW)

As a continuation of research into online public access catalog systems (OPAC's), this study focused on the actual use of OPAC's and on refinement of the methodologies used in carrying out transaction analysis studies. Current patron use patterns were obtained via machine-readable catalogs from four online public catalog systems: The Library of…

This survey of online search service centers in Canada was conducted to provide data on these centers and, more specifically, on the characteristics of the human search intermediary; and to provide an accurate overall picture of online searching in Canada. The survey questionnaires were mailed to approximately 765 Canadian customers of seven…

This review of research that focuses on solutions to user interface problems in online search systems summarizes and compares the implications of studies in five categories: theoretical models, operating systems, individual cases, controlled experiments, and surveys. Forty-six references are cited. (SW)

As the use of online literature searching systems increases, the need for reducing the amount of nonrelevant material encountered by the users becomes more apparent. One method for achieving greater selectivity in document retrieval is by using relevance (or utility) estimates from past users to estimate document values for future users. However,…

A study of periodicals usage conducted at I.D. Weeks Library, University of South Dakota, used computerized databases to isolate journals important to individual departments and establish criteria for periodical subscription budget cuts. Three search methods used and costs incurred are outlined. Four references and search examples are provided.…

This report describes a computer-monitoring study of users of the Ohio State University Libraries' online catalog, an established and heavily used information retrieval system. Designed for end users, online library catalogs require little or no formal training, and often replace an existing manual system. Data were gathered unobtrusively by…

The use of online searching by reference librarians to provide actual answers and not just bibliographies or current awareness printouts has the potential to save time and money for the reference department. The quick reference service can actually promote rather than compete with the library's online search service for in depth subject searching.…