This document first outlines considerations relative to a systems approach to evaluation, and then argues for such an approach to the evaluation of information retrieval systems (ISR). The criterion of such evaluations should be the utility of the information retrieved to the user, and the ISR ought to be regarded as one of three interrelated…

Discusses data model role in an office filing facility, office data model requirements, and various modelling paradigms for office data modelling. Data model application to a typical collection of office data is presented, filing and retrieval operations are illustrated, and proposed research into other office data modelling aspects is outlined.…

Computer-based information search services (ISSs) of the type that provide online literature searches are analyzed from a systems viewpoint using a continuous simulation model. The methodology applied is "system dynamics," and the system language is DYNAMO. The analysis reveals that the observed growth and stagnation of a typical ISS can…

Uses a reliability framework to examine the role that relevance judgments play in quantitative information retrieval (IR) performance measurement with an eye toward issues introduced by Internet IR. Argues that a theoretical basis for reliable measurement is possible if the relevance yardstick is reconsidered in light of recent research and if the…

Proposes an extended vector-processing scheme that extracts information from hypertext links to enhance retrieval effectiveness. Evaluates the impact of bibliographic references, bibliographic coupling, cocitation and document representative relationships. Shows that hypertext links do not always improve average precision, and interdocument…

A brief summary of the progress and status of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access (IIDA) project is followed by a report focusing on the principles and rules for analyzing a computer search performed using the IIDA software, and adaptation rules for the deferment of error messages in the case of frequent violations of the same rule. The…

This study uses the human approach to examine the sources and effectiveness of search terms selected during 40 mediated interactive database searches and focuses on determining the retrieval effectiveness of search terms identified by users and intermediaries from retrieved items during term relevance feedback. (Author/JKP)

Proposes a useful concept of relevance as a relationship and an effect on the movement of a user through the iterative stages of their information seeking process, and that users' relevance judgments can be plotted on a Three-Dimensional Spatial Model of Relevance Level, Degree and Time. Discusses implications for the development of information…

The first task of the study was to develop valid, short-cut methods of indexing the narrative content of evaluation reports that would extract the differentiating information contained in evaluative comments simply, reliably, and with as good classification accuracy as the longer initial procedure. In the second task, the original inter-indexer…

Intended to identify and encourage research, development, and applications of information retrieval, the principal objective of this conference was to provide an international forum to promote an understanding of current research and to stimulate the exchange of ideas and experiences in information retrieval systems. Introductory material for…

Summarizes the historical trend of distributing computer power within universities, and describes a model for an information technology environment for higher education. Based on a broad distribution of information and computing power, this model allows users to share information using micro- and minicomputers. (CLB)

This "Yearbook" is a compilation of 34 articles that represent "state-of-the-art" thought in educational administration as of 1997. The yearbook is organized in accordance with a knowledge-base outline that was developed through repeated surveys of professors of educational administration and practicing administrators. The…