The main conclusions are: the human factor appears to be the main variable in all components of an information retrieval system; length of indexes affects performance considerably more than indexing languages; question analysis and search strategies affect performance to a great extent - as much, if not more than indexing. (Author/MF)

Deals with the relationship between a theory of indexing and a theory of information storage and retrieval. Attention is directed to the view that indexing is an order increasing operation, and some thermodynamic notions are invoked to aid in this description. (MF)

A procedure for producing a Key-Word-Out-of-Context (KWOC) alerting tool for a specific field of information as a temporary alternative to computerization. (Author/AB)

The problems facing the Biodeterioration Information Centre (Birmingham, England) in locating published material in a newly emerging, interdisciplinary subject are outlined, together with the various ways in which reasonably comprehensive coverage might be achieved. The method of reference collection finally adopted relies on the cooperation of…

A detailed guide on how to index slides using descriptors and on how to search the file once it is prepared. (AA)

Discusses an investigation of certain problems concerning the structural design of lexicons used in computational approaches to natural language understanding. Emphasizes three aspects of design: retrieval of relevant portions of lexicals items, storage requirements, and representation of meaning in the lexicon. (Available from ALLC, Dr. Rex Last,…

Presents a study of journal title elements as represented in eight databases, and describes four measures developed to show the extent of standardization within a database and some of its implications for searching. (FM)

Describes the building block, successive fractions, citation pearl growing, and interactive scanning approaches to search strategy formulation and discusses practical techniques for online bibliographic searches such as being flexible, searching the most specific aspect first, using thesauri, conceptualizing, using full text operators, and…