Discussion of efficient communication in research and development focuses on the use and nonuse of relevant information. Highlights include information overload and efficiency; nonuse of relevant information as policy; two kinds of overload; and implications for information science. (33 references) (LRW)

Examines retrieval theory in terms of free-text searching, citation analysis, and knowledge synthesis, and supports the claim that topical relevance relationships are not primarily matching relationships. Suggests that the assumption of topic matching between user needs and texts topically relevant to those needs is often erroneous. (51…

Discusses the design of multiversion information retrieval systems and provides a theoretical justification for the necessity of creating such systems to perform an optimal search for the user's information needs. Topics discussed include comparing query formulations; feedback algorithms; an experiment with a test collection; and the mechanism of…

Argues that information retrieval based on semantic representation is not helpful for those searchers who do not have well-defined ideas of the target document type. Presents an alternative, complementary method for indexing and document retrieval based on attributes of argumentation, a characteristic of articles advancing a claim. (52 references)…

The current state of information retrieval (IR) evaluation is reviewed with criticisms directed at the available test collections and the research and evaluation methodologies used, including precision and recall rates for online searches and laboratory tests not including real users. Automatic text retrieval systems are also discussed. (32…

Various methods for calculating and presenting results of information retrieval (IR) evaluation research are discussed, with illustrations from recent laboratory results. Highlights include measures for calculating recall and precision, user needs for high or low level of recall, and comparisons of Boolean and ranked output retrieval. (22…

Discusses approaches to the integration of query-based information retrieval and browsing in a hypertext network. A prototype system developed to evaluate the proposed approach in terms of retrieval effectiveness and search efficiency is presented, and design and implementation issues concerning the prototype are considered. (30 references) (EA)

Describes a simulation method for estimating recall and fallout in a document retrieval system. Earlier research on simulating document retrieval systems is reviewed, examples are presented of the current method, a probabilistic justification of the method is given, theoretical concerns dealing with retrieval precision are discussed, and further…

This study of an individual information user with a real information problem examined the relevance judgment process using bibliographic records and full-text documents. Results provide a basis for understanding the judgment process in information searching. Deselection of items and the associated application of judgment criteria provide insight…

Explores metasearch engine (metasearch engines search several Web indexes and/or directories and/or Usenet and/or specific Web sites) efficiency and problems, focusing on four engines in specific: Dogpile, Cyber411, Internet Sleuth, and Metacrawler. Concludes that because no engine has precisely the same coverage as another, the searcher using a…

Describes a study conducted in the Netherlands that examined the effect of a user's World Wide Web experience on the search process, which consists of locating an appropriate Web site and retrieving relevant information from that site. Discusses implications for training and supporting student searchers and proposes future research. (Author/LRW)

In information science, it is important to consider the nature and meaning of theories of aboutness, subject analysis and related concepts, which are closely related to theoretical and metatheoretical issues in information retrieval (IR). A theory of IR must specify which concepts should be regarded as synonymous concepts and explain how the…

Summarizes empirical results reported earlier on relations between students' problem stages (mental model) in writing research proposals for a masters' thesis and the information sought, choice of search terms, and relevance assessments; refines Kuhlthau's model of the information search process; and proposes a theory of a task-based information…

Discusses results from recent relevance research with implications for information professionals. The studies show that beyond the usual concern with high relevance and non-relevance judgments, partially relevant judgments by users are important. Calls for the adoption of a more complex view of human relevance judgments in the education and…

Describes the University of California at Berkeley's participation in the TREC (Text Retrieval Conference) interactive track experiments. Highlights include results of searches on two systems, Cheshire II and ZPRISE; system design goals and implementation; precision and recall results; search questions by topic and system; and results of…