Describes several aspects of the problem of supporting information retrieval system query requirements in the relational database management system (RDBMS) environment and proposes an extension to query processing called nonmaterialized relations. User interactions with information retrieval systems are discussed, and nonmaterialized relations are…

Discusses human-computer interfaces in information seeking that focus on end users, and provides an overview of articles in this section that (1) provide librarians and information specialists with guidelines for selecting information-seeking systems; (2) provide producers of information systems with directions for production or research; and (3)…

Discusses the concept of user-centered library services from a theoretical and conceptual basis. Highlights include the traditional information model; the constructivist model; other researchers' approaches to information seeking and information needs; a sense-making model for various library services; question negotiation; knowledge transfer;…

Presents the results of additional analyses of shifts of focus in information retrieval interactions. Investigates how interaction between users and search intermediaries reveal aspects of user information problems, and how users and search intermediaries focus on aspects of user information problems during the course of online searches. (Contains…

Reports findings of a study conducted at the University of Michigan that replicated an earlier study on users' perceptions of the binary, or dichotomous, nature of their relevance judgments in information retrieval evaluation. Results that support the earlier study are discussed, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

Two conceptions of domain analysis in library and information science emphasize theories of knowledge and study of literatures. Studies of information seeking and use can make an important contribution to domain analysis, and help integrate the two approaches. As understanding of information use develops, models can be constructed that represent…

Provides a rationale for the information science community to consider the needs and challenges of spatial information issues as well as overviews of the seven articles on spatial information contained in this special topic issue. Brief biographies of the 16 authors are included. (six references) (KRN)

Presents a model for the design of online catalog subject access based on three principles: the uncertainty of subject indexing, the need for greater variety in searcher's queries, and the complexity of the search process. The proposed system is based on existing Library of Congress subject cataloging. (EM)

Presents a user-centered investigation of interactive query expansion within the context of a relevance feedback system. Data were collected from 25 searches using the INSPEC database. Results discuss issues relating to query expansion, retrieval effectiveness, correspondence of the online-to-offline relevance judgments, and selection of terms for…

Reviews the literature on user studies in both online catalogs and bibliographic retrieval systems. User problems with both mechanical and conceptual aspects are reviewed and potential sources of problems due either to individual characteristics or system variables are discussed. Possible solutions and areas that need further research are noted.…

The Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), an international collaboration aimed at producing a common encoding scheme for complex texts, examines the requirement for generality versus the requirement to handle specialized text types. Discusses how documents and users tax the limits of fixed schemes requiring flexible extensible encoding to support…

Discusses the use of Boolean logic in information-retrieval systems and analyzes existing criticisms of operational systems. Considers users' ability to use and understand Boolean operators, ranking, the quality of query formulations, and negative effects of criticism; and concludes that criticism is directed at the methodology employed in…

Focuses on developing a map display for information retrieval. Through an examination of relationships among visual displays, information retrieval, and browsing, advantages of visual displays for information retrieval are characterized. Examples of the map displays show that they can be used as overview tools and access/exploration tools, and…

Describes an empirical study that investigated how well people in the information science field perform as judges of document relevance, topicality, and utility for information needs that they did not originate. Results are compared to the actual users' judgments, and the effects of experience and gender are explored. (Contains 17 references.)…

Reviews the origins of post-coordinate searching and emphasizes that the focal point should be on the searcher, not on the item being indexed. Highlights include the history of the term information retrieval; edge notched punch cards; the "peek-a-boo" system; the Uniterm system; and using computers to search for information. (LRW)