Reports on two studies in the second Text Retrieval Conference (TREC-2) program that investigated the effect on retrieval performance of combination of multiple representations of TREC topics. Six methods of query combinations and the combination of the same queries on different databases are examined. Results show that combining evidence from…

Outlines principles underlying the theory of polyrepresentation as it applies to user cognitive space and information space of information retrieval (IR) systems. A discussion and diagram illustrate the interactive communication that takes place between users and IR systems in order to complete work tasks such as retrieving full text information.…

Provides a novice's guide to locating and using patent resources on the Internet. The guide examines how easily a novice can find and use patent resources, and evaluates resources on their search and retrieval capability. Findings are from the author's own experiences with various online services and are presented as personal narratives. (JMV)

Describes a unitized data system for a scientific database that stores descriptions of individual experimental steps as separate text-based subunits together with appropriate linking signals. Conversion of graphics into searchable text, use of natural language, and cost effectiveness are discussed. An example using a biology research paper is…

Examines current activities in subject analysis of large bibliographic databases to assist database managers in making cost-effective decisions. Issues addressed include manual indexing aids, automatic indexing, and connecting indexing terms. Several software packages are described, and future research directions are suggested. (58 references)…

Argues that indexing and classification schemes rely on an understanding of "subject" and discusses several different conceptions of subject as epistemological positions. It is further argued that a theory of subject must be based in a theory of knowledge, and a theory based on a realistic/materialistic epistemology is proposed. (39…

Discusses the copyright implications of adding tables of contents and book indexes to online catalogs and examines the differing interpretations of fair use in for-profit and nonprofit institutions. (EA)

Discusses the theoretical frameworks and design considerations for an experimental electronic library system named Cybermagazine and considers the potential of multimedia approaches to information retrieval and delivery. Issues considered include current awareness services, user interface, database management, cataloging, and document delivery.…

Discussion of electronic books utilizing CD-ROM technology presents a taxonomy that contains 10 classes of electronic books. Development models, design techniques, and access stations are discussed; and several examples of electronic books, including encyclopedias, information dissemination/retrieval services, educational products, and a thesis…

Describes SHRIF, a System for Heuristic Retrieval of Information and Facts, and the medical knowledge base that was used in its development. Highlights include design decisions; the user-machine interface, including the language processor; and the organization of the knowledge base in an artificial intelligence (AI) project like this one. (57…

The LABLIB system at the Language Centre of the University of Turku, Finland, is described. LABLIB is a computerized bilingual information retrieval system that assumes a minimum of user computer expertise and includes comprehensive information on tape recordings, video programs, and other teaching materials. (four references) (LB)

Characterizes information retrieval systems in a network environment from a user's perspective along two axes: query and presentation. Several examples of early, current, and developing information retrieval systems are considered within this framework, and Daltext, a prototype system to support research on text-based retrieval systems, is…

Noting that standards are needed to enable libraries using different processors and different operating systems to connect their computers and share services in meaningful ways, this article examines the content and status of ANSI Z39.50: Information Retrieval Service Definition and Protocol Specification for Library Applications and related work.…

This study examined judgments of document relevance made by library science graduate students who were not the originators of the queries for which the documents were retrieved. Although the secondary judgments compared well with those of the original users, it was found that secondary judges used document record fields differently and had a…

This second in a series of articles on a software evaluation project conducted by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results for nine microcomputer-based software programs that fall into the category of classical information retrieval systems. (26…