Describes a system devised for recording and analyzing the sociologically relevant literature on forest recreation. (JB)

The authors advocate a systematic procedure involving the identification of: fixed parameters, variable options for each variable parameter, factors affecting a choice among available options, factors affected by a choice among available options, and the optimum sequence in which decisions should be made during the design process. (Author/MF)

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)

Describes the six tasks required in the development of an online database: analysis, design, programing, testing, loading, and documentation. Figures illustrate file formats, and a bibliography lists five sources. (FM)

A common command language has been proposed for use by systems designers and those developing new user interfaces. There is controversy over the appropriateness of a standard command language, and those who are working in artificial intelligence believe that natural language interfaces will make it unnecessary for users to learn such a language,…

This paper describes the characteristics of a computerized information retrieval system which could be used by attorneys engaged in such complex litigation as (1) cases which involve multi-district litigation; (2) cases involving complex issues of fact, as in regulatory agency actions; (3) cases involving a large number of documents; and (4) cases…

Proposes a microprocessor-based architecture that makes large use of parallelism both in processing and in retrieval operations. The proposed system consists of three functional blocks: the query processor, simple query executers, and the answer composer. Twenty-one references are listed. (FM)

Highlights the importance of conceptual and theoretical work in designing information retrieval systems. Examines two epistemological positions leading to different solutions in digital library design: the information transfer perspective and the social constructionist knowledge production perspective. Suggests that noun-based approaches can be…

A program is presented for a National Information System for Physics based on a computerized American Institute of Physics (AIP) Information Service which is designed to augment the element of selectivity of the present information system for user interests. It is proposed that the system be developed in discreet stages, each adding to the…

This paper deals with the problem of the referencing or storing methods in information systems which must be designed to allow for rapid retrieval of the key data leading to the desired information or the recovery of the information directly. Considered as a secondary, but frequently desirable, feature for the system is the ability to determine…

Describes significant attributes of expert systems, contrasts them to conventional computer systems, and provides an overview of the R1 expert system used by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) to put together operational systems that meet customers' requirements. Document handling, particularly pictures and images in documents, is also briefly…

SRI attempts to apply aerospace research results to biomedicine are revealing inadequacies of present information systems when information originates in different discipline from that of user. Author suggests catergorizing characteristics of originator, symbolic vehicle, coding process and user, with possible design of new systems as well. (PD)

Proposes a summarization system for multiple documents that employs named entities and other signatures to cluster news from different sources, as well as punctuation marks, linking elements, and topic chains to identify the meaningful units (MUs). Using nouns and verbs to identify similar MUs, focusing and browsing models are applied to represent…

This introduction presents a framework for discussing hypertext, previews individual articles, and discusses some relations of hypertext to library science. Historical notes are also provided, as well as biographical information on the authors of individual articles in this special section. (16 references) (CLB)

Discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and considers four potential roles for AI in information retrieval (IR): (1) information characterization, i.e., building a knowledge base; (2) information seeking, i.e., search formulation; (3) support functions, including abstracting; and (4) systems integration. Three examples are given that show how AI…