Reports the results of a study of users' perceptions of relevance of documents that focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a telephone-based information retrieval service. Studies how users' perceptions varied depending on the form in which retrieved documents were presented, from full text to a machine-spoken summary. (Contains 27…

This study examined the effect of order of presentation of document citations on users' relevance judgments. Results indicated that users are not influenced by order of presentation when fewer than 15 citations are presented. (four references) (MES)

Considers the differences between information user groups with regard to characteristic patterns in the use of information and the dimensions of value by which users evaluate and analyze information. Twenty references are cited. (FM)

Discussion of probabilistic information retrieval systems highlights the probability ranking principle and discusses when the standard retrieval policy is optimal. Topics discussed include calibration and refinement; independent assessment of relevance by the inquirer; certainty about the computed probabilities of relevance; and confidence and…

Suggests a new definition of relevance as it relates to information retrieval and compares the use of the term in theoretical models by Swets and by Maron and Kuhns. (FM)

Discusses how to increase user satisfaction by designing information retrieval systems that inform the user while the user is interacting online. Models the information processing operations of a user who has received an information message from the system and is stimulated into grasping at a higher understanding of the information need. (Contains…

Proposes the use of the multiple criteria utility theory, a means of measuring satisfaction of predetermined evaluative criteria, quantifying their relative importance, and identifying and determining the best trade-offs among them to evaluate information systems. This method is demonstrated via the evaluation of a hypothetical selective…

Argues that, given a document and a query, users first judge the document against the individual concepts in the query and then use some inferencing process to derive a compound judgment for the entire query. The research examines the relative effectiveness of probabilistic and fuzzy models at predicting users' compound judgments. (23 references)…

The second of two parts, this article develops a taxonomy of value-in-use for library and information services based on user assessments and proposes methods and instruments for similar studies of library and information services in general. Divides value of services into three classes: reasons for use; quality of interaction; and worth, benefits…

Investigates Web site design factors and their impact from a theoretical perspective. Presents a two-factor model that can guide Web site design and evaluation. According to the model, there are two types of design factors: hygiene and motivator. Results showed that the two-factor model provides a means for Web-user interface studies. Provides…

Reports an investigation conducted to improve the performance of SDI profiles in a large, complex data base that contains over a million references to scientific and technical literature, and uses full text indexing for retrieval. (Author/MBR)

The on-line serials control system in use at the UCLA Biomedical Library is compared with former batch processing and manual procedures. It is evaluated in terms of performance, user satisfaction and costs, and is shown to be superior in these respects. The system makes possible increased productivity and savings. (8 references) (Author/KE)

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 advantages of a prototype retrieval system that uses statistically based ranked retrieval of records rather than traditional boolean methods, especially for end users. Several new techniques are also discussed including bit mapping, pruning, methods of building inverted files, and types of search engine. (26 references) (EAM)

Discusses search requests in information retrieval systems and describes the development of an algorithm for the automatic construction of query formulations in Boolean form. Topics discussed include user needs, information retrieval languages, online systems, design requirements for the algorithm, and algorithmic functioning in information…