Describes several problems encountered when using the Boolean model of information retrieval, and for each problem offers a nontraditional design principle that overcomes the difficulty. The problems discussed are the unfriendliness of Boolean formulas, null output and output overload, undifferentiated facets, interpreting weights, and term…

Presents an associational model for the diffusion of complex innovations which describes stages that individuals go through when adopting new ideas. The model was tested in a study that examined the cognitive structures of individuals at different stages in the adoption of computer-assisted legal research systems. (31 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes a method for enhancing the subject index terms of a document with title terms from cited, citing, and cocited documents. Experimental results of this methodology are presented, and responses to criticisms of this strategy are made. (40 references) (CLB)

Describes the uniterm system of coordinate indexing and examines its applicability to the indexing of Arabic literature. Unresolved problems in semantics, thesauri development, and standardization are identified and discussed. (CLB)

Explores the fundamentals of browsing behavior as a basis for the creation of an intelligent computer system to assist in online information retrieval. A prototype system is described, and the results of initial tests are reported. (5 references) (Author/CLB)

The goal of excellence in subject matter applications of computers is still distant. More often than not, the computer becomes the object of study rather than a tool for the in-depth study of a subject. Discussed is what needs to be done to have knowledge-based systems of pedagogically excellent software. (MT)

This study surveyed abstracting policies and guidelines used by producers of bibliographic databases that aim to enhance free-text retrieval. Results indicate editors consider content of abstracts and their language as primary factors in retrieval enhancement. Most recommend that concepts and form be coordinated with controlled vocabulary…

Discusses software developed to organize and retrieve electronically stored data, examining structure of the databases in which information is stored and the physical structure of the storage medium. Hierarchical and relational databases, unordered files, B-trees, and storage/software for specific purposes (such as weather, stock market, and…

Compares two online information services on basis of target audience, communication services, news and publications, business and financial features, education-related features, online publication and information, personal service features, travel offerings, remote computing services, other facilities, navigating through utility, online storage…

Proposes split model for index term distribution in document set that uses rank function for high frequency terms and size function for low frequency terms; the point of transition is determined either empirically or by rule. Distributions to describe index term exhaustivity and term co-occurrence are considered briefly. (36 references) (EJS)

This article concentrates on the use of online searching to provide information needed by business for strategy formulation. The following steps are explained: environment analysis (structural analysis, trend analysis); business analysis; strategy formulation; strategic anticipation; strategic plan formalization; and implementation and control.…

Provides a brief introduction to computer applications in information organizations in China. Highlights include information retrieval (personnel, equipment, bibliographic databases, information retrieval programs and systems, service status); library management; and Chinese character processing (code method, character root method). History,…

Investigates the properties of a global model consisting of "n" local information retrieval systems based on thesaurus. Definitions of a distributed information retrieval system (thesaurus, documents set, set of queries) and proofs of theorems denoting further properties of the systems are highlighted. Five references are included. (EJS)

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

Presents a concept of end-user query language with facilities for expressing relationships between objects kept in a database. The idea of nesting these features in typical document query language is shown. Examples of usage of these new facilities are included. (Author/MBR)