Presents a new corpus-based method for constructing a thesaurus based on lexical cooccurrence. Each word is represented as a vector in a multi-dimensional space that captures cooccurrence, and a similarity measure compares these vectors. Two methods for using these thesaurus vectors in information retrieval are described. (Author/LRW)

Describes a genetic algorithm (GA) that assigns weights to query terms in a ranked-output document retrieval system. Experiments showed the GA often found weights slightly superior to those produced by deterministic weighting (F4). Many times, however, the two methods gave the same results and sometimes the F4 results were superior, indicating…

Discusses information inference from a psychologistic stance and proposes an information inference mechanism that makes inferences via computations of information flow through an approximation of a conceptual space. Highlights include cognitive economics of information processing; context sensitivity; and query models for information retrieval.…

Discussion of the use of mathematical tools in library and information science focuses on information retrieval applications of fuzzy set theory. Topics include fuzzy set theory in informetrics and bibliometrics; and the literature of fuzzy set theory. (Contains 87 references.) (LRW)

Describes an information retrieval, visualization, and manipulation model which offers the user multiple ways to exploit the retrieval set, based on weighted query terms, via an interactive interface. Outlines the mathematical model and describes an information retrieval application built on the model to search structured and full-text files.…

Presents the human evaluation of ILIAD, a program for machine-aided indexing that was designed to assist expert librarians in computer-aided indexing and document analysis. Topics include controlled indexing and free indexing; natural language and concept-based information retrieval; evaluation methodology; syntactic variations; and a comparison…

Investigated the impact of term frequencies, term distributions, and indexing exhaustivity on the representation of document spaces in a visual, vector-based retrieval environment. Compares document-space densities and discusses visualization techniques, term weights, and implications for automatic indexing in information retrieval systems.…

Discusses how new knowledge may be generated by information retrieval techniques on bibliographic databases. Examples from medical research are used to illustrate the possibility of making discoveries by synthesizing the literature; hidden correlations between factors are discussed; and the creative use of information retrieval systems is…

Discusses the problem of processing fuzzy queries in databases and information retrieval systems and presents a prototype of a fuzzy query processing system for databases that is based on data clustering and uses Pascal programing language. Clustering schemes are explained, and the system architecture that uses natural language is described. (14…

Describes the Waller-Kraft "wish list" of desired information retrieval system properties and identifies ambiguities caused by two distinct uses of the phrase "query term weight." Examples of problems arising from the ambiguity are given and a new list is created and discussed. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

Reviews the conceptual foundations of hypertext as developed by Vannevar Bush and discusses current applications of hypertext as information vision, database technique, and computer user interface. Criticisms of this indexing technique, its technological limitations, and possible future applications are discussed. (two references) (CLB)

Discusses a list of characteristics (dimensions) that are crucial for data model quality. Fourteen quality dimensions are singled out and organized in six categories: content, scope, level of detail, composition, consistency, and reaction to change. Two types of correlations among dimensions called "reinforcements" and…

Describes strategies that can be used to search the DIALOG database by date to add precision to searching. The "Current" command is explained, as well as other commands; ways to search a specific year are described; and DIALOG files that are already restricted by date are discussed. (LRW)

The uncertain status of cognitive inhibitory mechanisms is addressed, focusing on their function in memory retrieval. Four experiments with 249 college students show that classical associative theories of interference are insufficient as accounts of forgetting and that inhibitory processes must be at work. (SLD)

Discusses how information technology and information retrieval may be used to build the virtual library, based on examples from Carnegie-Mellon University. Topics include information technology infrastructure, including distributed computing; Boolean searching; natural language processing; navigating the Internet; and prototypes and problems at…