Showing papers in "Journal of Information Science in 1987"
TL;DR: In this state-of-the- art review the various methodologies that have been developed are outlined in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and par ticular applications.
Abstract: Recent reductions in research budgets have led to the need for greater selectivity in resource allocation. Measures of past performance are still among the most promising means of deciding between competing interests. Bibliometry, the mea surement of scientific publications and of their impact on the scientific community, assessed by the citations they attract, provides a portfolio of indicators that can be combined to give a useful picture of recent research activity. In this state-of-the- art review the various methodologies that have been developed are outlined in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and par ticular applications. The present limitations of science indica tors in research evaluation are considered and some future directions for developments in techniques are suggested.
322 citations
TL;DR: The design, development, and testing of one GDSS tool is described, which proved to have some beneficial impacts on the group process as well as on the final product (decision) for the groups using the computers.
Abstract: Several recent trends have converged to make the concept of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) important at this time. This paper describes the design, development, and testing of one GDSS tool as an initial step toward building a compre hensive system. A network of microcomputers was used to implement this tool, then the author studied its use by a large number of groups in a controlled laboratory setting. The GDSS proved to have some beneficial impacts on the group process as well as on the final product (decision) for the groups using the computers, as compared to groups using a booklet, or groups with no help. Suggestions for future experimental inves tigations are offered, as well as potential techniques for impro ving and expanding the GDSS.
66 citations
TL;DR: The data collected support the hypothesis put forward by Brookes that the grow of the literature and the growth of the number of contributors to that literature have opposite effects in the measurement of obsolescence and the results of a synchro nous study were statistically equivalent to synchronous data with no corrections whatever.
Abstract: Using the literature of human and medical genetics, the results of a synchronous citation study of obsolescence over a 19-year period were compared with the results of a di achronous citation study...
63 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that the three tests are not in complete agreement with each other in their evaluation of the degree of clustering tendency present in seven document test collections, and it is suggested that the density test gives the most useful results.
Abstract: The use of automatic classification techniques has been suggested as a means of increasing the effectiveness of docu ment retrieval systems; however, the automatic generation of a classification requires a large amount of computation, and it is thus of importance to know whether this computation will result in material increases in retrieval performance. This paper describes three methods - the overlap test, the nearest neighbour test and the density test - which can be used to measure the degree of clustering tendency in a set of docu ments. It is shown that the three tests are not in complete agreement with each other in their evaluation of the degree of clustering tendency present in seven document test collections. A comparison of the predicted degree of clustering tendency with the relative effectiveness of cluster and non-cluster searches suggests that the density test gives the most useful results; it also has the advantage that it does not require query and relevance data and can thus be used in a...
50 citations
TL;DR: A new approach to data compression based on digram encoding is presented and it is found that the simultaneous digram and trigram encoding produces better results with regard to the measured compression ratios and use of processing time for encoding.
Abstract: A new approach to data compression based on digram encoding is presented. Statistical analysis of the linguistic property of digram co-occurrence in textual material leads to a new, more effective simultaneous digram and trigram encoding technique. A combined list of digrams and trigrams eligible for encoding is constructed by an original scheme that replaces some of the frequently co-occurring encodable digrams with so-called master trigrams. Using Shannon's second order Markoff process approximation to English, conditions which the master trigrams should satisfy are formulated and then tested on four representative textual files. The performance of the proposed technique is experimentally examined and com pared with the performance of the conventional digram encod ing. It is found that the simultaneous digram and trigram encoding produces better results with regard to the measured compression ratios and use of processing time for encoding.
21 citations
TL;DR: Inspired by contemporary philosophers, Dr. Martinez Fornes is of the idea that, as Alonso Quijano died unmarried and without issue, the authors are all children of Sancho Panza –positivistic, realistic, with their ___ the ground, somewhat pessimistic, without a trace of spirituality.
Abstract: Almongst the various possible subjects that occurred to me within the fields of experimental science and the humanities, I decided to choose a question of great importance today –that of information and its influence on the historical evolution of the culture of peoples. Through this subject, I shall be able to explain, in general terms, my thoughts and opinions, which I would like to believe contain philosophical and historical traces. Inspired by contemporary philosophers, Dr. Martinez Fornes is of the idea that, as Alonso Quijano died unmarried and without issue, we are all children of Sancho Panza –positivistic, realistic, with our ___ the ground, somewhat pessimistic, without a trace of spirituality. I, if you will permit me, prefer to think that I have descended from Don Quijote´s niece; and that I have inherited some genes from an idealist, dreamer and, to some extent, and optimist.
With this mixture of Don Quijote and Sancho, I shall now go on to give my talk on the subject “Information as the fourth vital element and its influence on the culture of peoples”.
17 citations
TL;DR: The importance of human factors in the introduction and use of new information technology is discussed, both from the general point of view of 'office work', and more specifically as it relates to library/information work.
Abstract: The importance of human factors (ergonomics/ environment, task design, changing work patterns, organiza tional factors etc.) in the introduction and use of new informa tion technology is discussed, both from the general point of view of 'office work', and more specifically as it relates to library/information work. Considerations in the planning for, and introduction of, IT are outlined, and their significance for the role of the information scientist emphasized. (23 refer ences).
15 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that a plausible definition of UF must take into account variations in the user population in terms of their individual characteristics and the tasks they wish to perform.
Abstract: The arrival of 'user-friendly' (UF) computing has im portant implications, both for computer sales and for the accessibility of information online. Yet despite the growing trend towards UF systems ...
14 citations
TL;DR: Research carried out at the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield in the period 1965 to 1985 into storage and retrieval techniques for databases of textual and chemical structure data is discussed.
Abstract: This paper discusses research which was carried out at the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield in the period 1965 to 1985 into storage and retrieval techniques for databases of textual and chemical structure data. The research includes the development of methods for the auto matic production of printed subject indexes and for the inde xing and retrieval of chemical structures and chemical reac tions, the variety generation method for the analysis, characterization and storage of data in a range of types of textual database, the prediction of biological activity in chemical compounds, and the design of document retrieval systems.
13 citations
TL;DR: La communication homme-machine par la voix comporte trois axes de recherche: the synthese vocale, the reconnaissance de l'interlocuteur (identification, verification) and the reconnaissance of the parole.
Abstract: La communication homme-machine par la voix comporte trois axes de recherche: la synthese vocale (sortie vocale), la reconnaissance de l'interlocuteur (identification, verification) et la reconnaissance de la parole. La technologie commune a ces trois axes est le codage de la parole, representation digitale des signaux vocaux pour leur traitement informatique. Si les deux premiers axes de recherche sont relativement avances, la reconnaissance de la parole est encore tres restreinte du fait des caracteristiques differentes du signal vocal suivant les personnes. Les experiences concluantes ne portent que sur un vocabulaire restreint (100 a 200 mots pour une personne donnee) et des mots isoles. Les progres en cours sont cependant reels. L'interet de cette technologie pour certaines operations accaparant les mains et les yeux ou pour les handicapes est examine. Les problemes encore a resoudre sont passes en revue. (INTD)
12 citations
TL;DR: There are signs that new employment markets are emerging and three types of jobs are being created—for librarians and information workers; for information analysts and research workers, and for information systems specialists.
Abstract: The supply of trained librarians and information specialists has grown very rapidly in the last 35 years Significant changes have also taken place in the demographic structure of that workforce Until recently there has been a similar expansion in the demand as represented by the number of posts for such staff Mainly economic factors have greatly reduced the extent to which demand in the established markets is growing There are signs that new employment markets are emerging Three types of jobs are being created—for librarians and information workers; for information analysts and research workers, and for information systems specialists When filling these posi tions employers rate expenence more highly than qualifica tions Perhaps as a consequence, a very wide range of qualified people are obtaining the jobs and so far librarians and infor mation workers have failed to make a major impact on the employment market
TL;DR: The relationship between ageing and content typologies of the literature was tested, and the median citation ages of different typologies were uneven, indicating that contentTypologies were an important factor affecting the ageing phenomena of the Literature.
Abstract: Biochemical periodical literature is investigated in the light of its ageing phenomena as reflected by the citations in Cell in 1983. The citation frequency distribution followed a negative exponential distribution for 1972-1982, with the median cita tion age of 3 years. The relationship between ageing and content typologies of the literature was tested, the median citation ages of different typologies were uneven, with the differences of nearly 7 years, indicating that content typologies were an important factor affecting the ageing phenomena of the literature.
TL;DR: Les applications pratiques de la technologie evoquee precedemment, tant actuelles que potentielles, presente les applications nombreuses existent pour les handicapes, en medecine et chirurgie, dans l'aviation and l'industrie spatiale.
Abstract: Ce deuxieme article presente les applications pratiques de la technologie evoquee precedemment, tant actuelles que potentielles. Le traitement de la parole souleve un interet international et de nombreuses applications sont envisagees. Actuellement les realisations se trouvent surtout dans l'industrie et sont precieuses lorsque les mains et les yeux sont occupes. Dans le travail de bureau le principal interet residera dans le courrier vocal. Le traitement de texte pourra etre ameliore par l'entree vocale, notamment pour la correspondance. Des applications nombreuses existent pour les handicapes, en medecine et chirurgie, dans l'aviation et l'industrie spatiale. Dans les bibliotheques et les services d'information l'entree vocale directe des donnees changera totalement les tâches, notamment dans la recherche online. (INTD)
TL;DR: The survey results show that these science graduates are not typical products of the UK library/information studies schools but are like other science graduates who took advanced courses supported by the Science and Engineering Research Council.
Abstract: This paper reports the results of a postal survey (91% response) of students from the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield who were awarded the MSc in Information Studies between 1979 and 1985, inclusive. Re spondents were asked about their careers and to evaluate the MSc programme. A high proportion (49% if only UK students are included or 44% if overseas students are also included) of the graduates entered industry and commerce as their first destination and only 1% of UK students were 'unknown, unemployed or in temporary employment' (2% if overseas students are included). First posts were likely to be 'tradi tional' information posts but a substantial proportion of subse quent posts were in less traditional areas of employment (the emerging market). 31% were working in less traditional areas (predominantly information technology) at the time of the survey. 93% of all current UK posts held by these graduates involve computer applications. The survey results show that these science ...
TL;DR: Apres une evaluation d'ensemble du marche de l'information et de sa croissance, l'auteur preconise un developpement des formations en sciences d'information and en bibliotheconomie en adequation avec les nouvelles technologies.
Abstract: Apres une evaluation d'ensemble du marche de l'information et de sa croissance, l'auteur preconise un developpement des formations en sciences d'information et en bibliotheconomie en adequation avec les nouvelles technologies
TL;DR: This paper surveys the relevant literature, and attempts to isolate key issues which might explain why computer simulation models are not implemented to any extent in libraries.
Abstract: In 1975 Bommer said that computer simulation models had remained on the fringes of library science because too much attention has been devoted to the construction and solution of complex mathematical models, and too little attention to the implementation aspect. Nine years later, in 1984, Simonton makes the same point, substantially reflecting the lack of progress in this field.This paper surveys the relevant literature, and attempts to isolate key issues which might explain why computer simula tion models are not implemented to any extent in libraries.
TL;DR: Overall, the average citedness of papers published from Kuwait comes close to matching that of India, but is inferior in comparison with the standards set by the scientifically ad vanced countries.
Abstract: Review of the scientific output of the State of Kuwait on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its independence. Prior to 1970, only about 100 publications were credited to Kuwaiti institutions. The majority of these papers were medical reports published in local journals. In contrast, the 1970s and 1980s witnessed a steady growth with an average doubling time of three years. In 1983, 185 publications were credited to Kuwaiti institutions, and 80% of these appeared in international jour nals. This represents 1.1 articles per 10000 populations, a respectable figure in comparison to Third World standards While Third World countries put more emphasis on research in the life sciences, the distribution of research publications of Kuwait closely match that of the World's scientific publica tions as a whole as seen from the Science Citation Index. 59% of all Kuwaiti authored articles are in the life sciences as against 55% of the international literature. 62.6% of Kuwaiti publications appeared in journals wit...
TL;DR: Many online users experience difficulties in determining which hosts or databases are the most cost-effective for a given search or service, and the variant and constantly-shifting price structures adopted by hosts made cost benefit calculations particularly difficult.
Abstract: Interviews with online users—both intermediaries and end—users—in The Media and The City are used as the basis for an assessment of funding and cost issues. Few experienced any difficulties obtaining financial support for online activities, with most justifying the expenditure on the grounds of savings in staff, material and space. The 'information-is-free' syn drome continues to restrict the online industry, and the atti tudes of some database hosts to this barrier are reported. The issue of cost-effectiveness is addressed by outlining the case of the iritermediary and that of the end-user. Many online users experience difficulties in determining which hosts or databases are the most cost-effective for a given search or service. The variant and constantly-shifting price structures adopted by hosts were at the heart of their problems and made cost benefit calculations particularly difficult.
TL;DR: Self-actualiza tion within the employing organization is explored, including the effect of employer and user images of library-information work, and the emerging market and the traditional market for library- Information professionals are considered.
Abstract: Drawing on matenal from studies conducted by the author, in the area of manpower, education and training, during the 1980s, this paper covers several linked themes. Self-actualiza tion within the employing organization is explored, including the effect of employer and user images of library-information work. Formal and informal vocational education is also ex amined, in relation to curriculum development and the un derlying, but largely unanswered question of 'education for what?' The emerging market and the traditional market for library-information professionals are also considered, in con junction with the stereotype as a conditioner of acceptability in new employment venues.
TL;DR: Compte-rendu d'une etude par questionnaires faite aupres de 106 specialistes en biologie connaissant bien les systemes online mais pas le CD-ROM, pour connaitre leurs reactions a son utilisation.
Abstract: Compte-rendu d'une etude par questionnaires faite aupres de 106 specialistes en biologie connaissant bien les systemes online mais pas le CD-ROM, pour connaitre leurs reactions a son utilisation; parallelement et par comparaison sept documentalistes experimentes participaient a l'etude. Les resultats, qui s'averent extremement positifs dans leur ensemble, sont discutes. (INTD)
TL;DR: The paper by Stinson and Lancaster examines a problem in the study of the use of literature suggested by Maurice Line and myself in 1974 but what a pity they did not read the whole of the authors' review more carefully.
Abstract: The paper by Stinson and Lancaster [1] examines a problem in the study of the use of literature suggested by Maurice Line and myself [2] in 1974. But what a pity they did not read the whole of our review more carefully. They could, for example, have considered our opening discussion of the difference between ’obsolescence’ (with its pejorative implications of value or replacement which they perpetuate) and ’changes in the use of literature over time’ which is all that such studies as theirs can ever examine.
TL;DR: Error messages were provoked by making thirteen de liberate errors (if possible) on commercial information retrieval systems, online library catalogues, and information retrieval packages to show that systems are not as friendly as they could be.
Abstract: Error messages were provoked by making thirteen de liberate errors (if possible) on commercial information retrieval systems, online library catalogues, and information retrieval packages. These messages were examined for 'friendly' features —politeness, specificity, constructiveness, and helpfulness— and for 'unfriendly' features—the use of cryptic codes or vocabulary, or language which users might find threatening, domineering, or emotive. A mark was awarded for each friendly feature and deducted for each unfriendly feature. The new version of BLAISE-LINE and Dialog II came out with the best scores (+ 13 and + 11), followed by the Cambridge and York University Library catalogues (both + 10). The worst scores (- 30) were for ECHO and STATUS on Southampton Univer sity's computer. It is clear that systems are not as friendly as they could be. Programmers need to see error messages not just as the functional reporting of errors, but as a means of communicating with users to increase their efficiency.
TL;DR: Various models are discussed here and a new conceptual approach is proposed for this phenomena, which indicates that only sociological models, and particularly those of mathematical sociology are appropriate in studying this phenomena.
Abstract: The processes involved in distributing scientific informa tion, i.e. information produced by and for the sciences, assume various names: communication, diffusion, transmission, trans fer, flow, spread, circulation, dissemination, etc.Depending on the conceptual point of view, the distribu tion processes are patterned in different ways. As physics is currently the leading scientific field, physical science models are often used. Two of them are studied here and their limita tions are shown.But biology and biological models have also attracted cer tain information scientists, and again we show the limitations to these.All of these processes are, however, of a social kind, which indicates that only sociological models, and particularly those of mathematical sociology are appropriate in studying this phenomena. Various models are discussed here and a new conceptual approach is proposed.
TL;DR: It is suggested that word graphs known as 'Leximappe graphs' can be used not only to interrogate databases of scientific and technical articles but also to search for new combinations at the core of these articles—with a view to advancing knowledge.
Abstract: The interrogation of databases of scientific and technical articles is often characterized by the search for documents which do not come from any given specialist domain, but from multiple domains. A real interrogation can be characterized as an original combination of keywords in databases where docu ments are indexed in the form of keywords.The problem, then, is to find the right documents, while making allowances for the databases own indexing logic for documents.However, current expert systems, which permit access to documents via rules expressing the relevant field structure, make it notoriously difficult to pass from one specialist do main to another.Finally, recent work in the sociology of science has analysed the progress of knowledge in terms of 'translations' operating between one network of knowledge or know-how and another. This work has led to the elaboration of word graphs known as 'Leximappe graphs'.It is suggested that these graphs and the logic of associa tions that supports them can be u...
TL;DR: A detailed, pre-tested format for classifying systematically re search references on factors such as: sample selection and sample characteristics, test instruments and methodology, de sign, and major findings and conclusions is described.
Abstract: Recent growth in interdisciplinary research on crime, vio lence, and mental disorder has encouraged the development of computerized techniques for organizing literature from a variety of sources and many different fields. This paper describes a detailed, pre-tested format for classifying systematically re search references on factors such as: sample selection and sample characteristics, test instruments and methodology, de sign, and major findings and conclusions. Special efforts were made to address those problems frequently encountered by interdisciplinary researchers, such as differences in terminology and orientation across disciplines. It is intended that this format will facilitate links across disciplines and thus promote comprehensive approaches to research, medical diagnosis, and policy development.
TL;DR: In an attempt to integrate traditional scientific publishing and new electronic possibilities for storage, retrieval and dis semination, a model based on a General Mark-up Language approach is proposed which enables the user to search for literature prior to publication.
Abstract: In an attempt to integrate traditional scientific publishing and new electronic possibilities for storage, retrieval and dis semination, a model is proposed. Based on a General Mark-up Language approach the information content of an article is analyzed and various categories of different types of informa tion are defined. Using a relational database as a starting point for all operations, different products can be identified by packaging the different information entities in a multitude of ways.Traditional publishing results by aggregating the database fields in a typeset file; secondary information (bibliographic and citation indexing) can be extracted automatically whilst all kinds of publisher's statistics ranging from geographical breakdowns or author's lists to subject indexes, are spin-offs as well. A new feature is a current awareness service which enables the user to search for literature prior to publication. Linked with the storage of the complete manuscript, including figures and tables on, e.g...
TL;DR: The need has never been greater for communication of the potential—and risks—of science and technology as agents of change for developing countries, and many developing countries still see S&T largely as the private preserve of rich countries.
Abstract: The need has never been greater for communication of the potential—and risks—of science and technology as agents of change for developing countries. Recognizing this, many of Unesco's 160 member states in 1985 placed science populariza tion high on their list of priorities. This activity has long played an important role in Unesco. Regardless, most developing countries still see S&T largely as the private preserve of rich countries. Indeed, S&T represents an alien culture to countries where the indigenous languages lack a technical vocabulary, educational levels are low, and traditional beliefs are strong. In such countries, governments sometimes play a predominant role in both scientific activity and journalism—one they insist must not be questioned. A journalist attending a seminar for Asian science writers in 1974 said: "In many of our countries, if you ask how the funds (for science) are applied, you go to jail." Such factors have led some developing countries to see the science communicator more as p...
TL;DR: Approaches to information policy making in Western Europe and North America are reviewed and the trend to liberalization in telecom munications is examined, with particular reference to the regulation of AT&T and the privatization of BT.
Abstract: Approaches to information policy making in Western Europe and North America are reviewed in the light of prevail ing political ideologies. The trend to liberalization in telecom munications is examined, with particular reference to the de regulation of AT&T and the privatization of BT. Problems and practices relating to transborder data flows are examined in the light of the growing trend to trans-national venturing in the electronic information services/communications sector. This article also looks at the wider implications of concentration and massification in the global information industry.