When Lars Ulrich, drummer for the rock group Metallica, testified before Congress about his group's lawsuit against Napster in 2000, many people who followed copyright issues in the music industry were not surprised (Ulrich, 2000). Ever since downloading audio files became as easy as clicking a few buttons on a personal computer, charges of…

Addresses the application of automatic classification methods to the problems associated with computerized document retrieval. Different kinds of classifications are described, and both document and term clustering methods are discussed. References and notes are provided. (Author/JD)

Provides a brief overview of advances in electronic technologies during the past five years in the processing, storage, and transmission of information. The author also comments on software implementors, systems designers, management teams, and their organizations, and notes some problems. (Author/JD)

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

Discussion of document ranking methods to calculate the conceptual distance between a Boolean query and a document focuses on the Knowledge-Based Extension Boolean Model which evaluates weighted queries and documents effectively and avoids problems of previous methods. Semantic networks are discussed, and is-a hierarchies are explained. (21…

This paper describes the rationale behind and the development and utilization of a bibliographic instruction course which incorporates formal abstract reasoning skills. The limitations of the search strategy technique of bibliographic instruction are discussed as well as the fact that many college students have not developed sophisticated…

Examines problems encountered when setting up a hypertext link, called an identity link, for moving between bibliographic and full text databases. MEDLINE and CCML (Comprehensive Core Medical Library) are used as examples, BRS/SEARCH text retrieval software is explained, and problems with syntax are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

The purpose of this document is to highlight some of the difficulties associated with retrieving information on Iran using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and several other commonly used reference tools based on LCSH. Four subject areas concerning Iran are identified, and their treatment in LCSH and periodical indexes is analyzed. The…

Online bibliographic and network-based information systems are starting to blur the boundaries that separated print documents. Two concepts emerge as a consequence: the union record, an entity that combines multiple catalog records for a single bibliographic item; and an information dossier, a hypertext-like information object built by linking…

Discusses problems with subject searches in online library catalogs and examines theoretical principles for the design of effective information retrieval systems. Probabilistic ranking methods are discussed, and an experimental online catalog called CHESHIRE is described. It is noted that CHESHIRE uses classification clustering, provides natural…

There are four problems in modern composition bibliography that result directly from the continuing research paradigm instability in the field. The first problem is that of definition. Composition is a hybrid, practical sort of field, with very ill-defined and shifting boundaries. The recent extension of composition from "formal writing…

Discusses the history of information science and its understanding of and approach to relevance; explains human categorization theory and applies it to the idea of relevance; shows that information science research is flawed because it fails to adequately explain experience; and suggests implications for future research. (17 references) (LRW)

This article expresses concerns about online searches being run by inexperienced searchers or nonchemists for other nonchemists or students. Studies concerning problems in the use of Chemical Condensates Database, Chemical Abstracts, Medline, and patent information are highlighted. Examples of searches yielding unsatisfactory results are noted.…

Describes three current two-way public information systems representing the major technologies which are being proposed as international standards: Prestel (United Kingdom), Teletel (France), and Telidon (Canada). Information retrieval structures are compared, and difficulties for both the information provider and the information user are…