Introduces the application of informetric methods to the World Wide Web (Webometrics). Presents a case study comparing the number of specific informetric analysis parameters of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway on the Web. Concludes that problems with data collection occur because current tools are inadequate and because collection methods, manual and…

Discusses statistical analyses of the effect of reduction in opening hours on book issues, or borrowing, of public library authorities (PLAs) in the United Kingdom. Demonstrates the difficulties involved in using statistical data to make accurate predictions of the impact of opening hour reductions on borrowing. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the causes of communication problems between physicians and chronically ill patients focuses on the information-seeking patterns of women with multiple sclerosis (MS). A survey investigated whether a woman's general orientation to information or the length of time she had MS affected her choice of information resource. (Author/LRW)

Explains the efforts of the ICSTI (International Council for Scientific and Technical Information) Group on Interdisciplinary Searching to identify and describe problems of interdisciplinary searching and to propose solutions. Problems are summarized in six areas: database coverage and technical content, bibliographic information, textual content,…

Presents a survey of the current state of documentation practice in museums, concentrating on the broad themes of the practice, and making comparisons with analogous library procedures where appropriate. Current developments on an international and national scale (18 countries) are reviewed, and a 326-item bibliography is included. (Author/JD)

This study of students at the University of Tampere (Finland) analyzes how changes in relevance criteria are related to changes in problem stages during the task performance process in information retrieval. Provides a conceptual framework, including Kuhlthau's information search process model and prior knowledge; and compares bibliographic…

Presents Checkland's soft systems methodology, discusses it in terms of the systems approach, and illustrates how it was used to relate evidence of user survey to practical problems of library management. Difficulties in using methodology are described and implications for library management and information science research are presented. (8…

This continuation of a study that explored the information behavior of scientists focuses on a joint analysis of the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory (KAI) and the Learning Styles Questionnaire (LSQ), which were used to investigate the cognitive styles, problem-solving styles, creative styles, and learning styles of the scientists. (59…

Describes PLEXUS, an expert system for information retrieval related to gardening, designed at the University of London for use in public libraries. Focusing on the semantic problems encountered, methods used in artificial intelligence and information science to resolve them are discussed, including classification and facet analysis. (Author/LRW)