It is shown that automatic search profiles can be derived which perform comparably with corresponding manual profiles. The most efficient automatic profiles, in terms of performance and search time, are those consisting predominantly of single terms enriched with fragments. (Author/PF)

Describes a system for identifying and retrieving relevant citations on a monthly basis which can be accomplished with any microcomputer and printer possessing capability of telecommunication and downloading. Procedures for comprehensive search, downloading, formatting of information for printing, printing file cards and abstracts, and…

Describes technique for automatic book indexing requiring dictionary of terms with text strings that count as instances of term and text in form suitable for processing by text formatter. Results of experimental application to portion of book text are presented, including measures of precision and recall. Ten references are noted. (EJS)

Processes involved in computer searching of information systems are explained, with some caveats for the use of online searching by students and faculty. Among the concerns are overestimates of the efficacy of searching, inconsistency in search services and strategies, and other potential problems of search results' relevance. (MSE)

This report describes the development of a design and a small working model for a system for teaching and assisting in the performance of bibliographic on-line searches through the use of an intermediary computer. The system in its present form is intended for direct users of scientific and technical information systems. However, it is felt that…

The main method of locating information on the World Wide Web is to use a search engine. Given a set of terms, a search engine will return a list of documents containing those terms. Often, though, this list of documents is extremely large. Unfortunately, there are currently no tools to assist the information seeker in determining whether these…

Discusses the traditional Cranfield model for information retrieval (IR) evaluation, problems with the model, and extensions and alternatives to Cranfield; describes emerging themes in IR evaluation, including multiple evaluation dimensions and methods, inclusion of users and other stakeholders in the evaluation process, and various approaches to…

A series of five runs comprised of 20 searches each were carried out in a three-year span of the INSPEC data base. The same queries were processed manually in the corresponding volumes of Science Abstracts, and comparison of the output of each search method exposed reasons for the failures. Emphasis is laid on the fact that a query comprises other…

Three papers on system requirements for on-line and batch retrieval presented at the American Society for Information Science (ASIS) annual meeting are included here. At G.D. Searle, data for records related to pharmacology screening are used in a batch system, and an on-line system is used to search information on mutagenic, carcinogenic, and…

The investigation of the performance, economics, and acceptability to users of the selective dissemination of information (SDI) computer system that supported the International Information Service in Physics, Electrotechnology, Computers, and Control (INSPEC) during its initial testing phase is described. The initial design of the study, involving…

A national automated telecommunication system, the Migrant Student Record Transfer System (MSRTS) provides academic and other relevant data on migrant children to participating schools upon request. The system was developed in response to the need for providing timely academic and health information to the schools these children enter as they…

The primary outcome of any information feedback system must be data for the classroom teacher. For this reason, a system's value has to be measured in terms of its usefulness to the teacher in making instructional decisions. A report should contain only data that the teacher needs and should be produced in an understandable format. User feedback…

Describes each step of the design sequence for crafting a training resource (state a purpose, identify one or more users, describe content, develop a format, test for relevance) and discusses building a virtual-training forms network. Figures illustrate the instructional-system-development model; training forms, content, and end-users; frequently…

A description of the state of the art regarding Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Education Information, with special emphasis on computer assisted information, is provided. A survey of BIA Central Office was conducted to: determine the total scope of Education Information currently being reported; identify the methods being used in developing the…

A successful one-year medical information system pilot project responded to 240 questions by 47 physicians in 10 rural Alberta (Canada) communities. On average, each physician submitted 5.1 questions, and each community submitted 24 questions. Physicians received responses in a median of 7.3 hours or could conduct their own searches. (Author/MSE)