Showing papers in "Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology in 1979"

Information search tactics

Abstract: As part of the study of human information search strategy, the concept of the search tactic, or move made to further a search, is introduced. Twenty-nine tactics are named, defined, and discussed in four categories: monitoring, file structure, search formulation, and term. Implications of the search tactics for research in search strategy are considered. The search tactics are intended to be practically useful in information searching. This approach to searching is designed to be general, yet nontrivial; it is applicable to both bibliographic and reference searches and in both manual and on-line systems.

The importance of SDI for current awareness in fields with severe scatter of information

Abstract: Scope: The purpose of this study was to explore the use and effectiveness of current awareness (CA) methods, especially SDI, among chemists at Canadian universities. Method: We used a questionnaire which was mailed to a sample of 170 (response rate 80%). The variables studied include perceived scatter of information, use of various CA methods, time spent on CA, perceived success in CA, and CA efficiency = success/time spent. The results of this explanatory study are tentative. Major results: Keeping up-to-date is more difficult in specialties with high scatter of information (hypothesis 5). SDI seems to be the only method capable of counteracting scatter (hypotheses 5–7). In contrast, if scatter is low, SDI use decreases CA efficiency (hypothesis 6a); scanning journals, the most prevalent CA method, seems to be sufficient for low-scatter specialties. High scatter does not lead to increased SDI use, in some cases due to perceived difficulty of profile construction (hypothesis 3a). Conclusions: SDI services should concentrate efforts on serving scientists in specialties with high scatter of information by developing systems that are capable of searching across conventional disciplines and specialties, by providing assistance in profile development, and by conducting a marketing campaign directed toward these scientists.

A Sociological Approach to the Design of Information Systems.

Abstract: Conventional information systems, founded on objectivist assumptions, are inappropriate for social scientists. Starting from a sociological standpoint, this article proposes an alternative type of system, developed during research with a group of subject specialists.

Deficiencies of scientific information access and output in less developed countries

Abstract: The problems of scientists working in “less developed countries” (LDCs) have recently attracted considerable attention, as has their low level of scientific output This article presents an examination of the editorial evaluation of papers which LDC authors are able to produce, in an attempt to illuminate their problems through analysis of their output. LDC authors are shown to experience far higher rejection rates than authors in developed countries (57% vs. 17%) and to be faulted on specific points which tend to indicate that their major problems are those of maintaining current awareness. It is thus indicated that the problems LDC researchers experience in accessing scientific information are a major factor in inhibiting the quality and quantity of their own scientific information output.

Structure of the psychological literature

Abstract: The structure and interrelations of the psychological journal literature are investigated as a preparatory step for studies of psychological research activity. Newly developed techniques of bibliographic citation analysis are used to construct influence measures for individual journals and for the subfields of psychology into which the journals have been classified. Hierarchical influence diagrams are presented to display the influence and interrelations of the psychological subfields and of the individual journals themselves.

Bibliographic references for numeric social science data files: Suggested guidelines

Abstract: In the last two decades, private research organizations, government agencies, and foundations have invested heavily in the collection of social science numeric data, contributing to the proliferation of machine-readable data. However, the development of information technology and the ability to produce data have progressed much more rapidly than our capacity to organize, classify, and reference its availability. There is an immediate need for some type of bibliographic control over MRDF, including guidelines on how to create a proper bibliographic reference. The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to outline some of the information components associated with social science numeric data files, and (2) to provide guidelines, examples, and a uniform vocabulary for the creation of a bibliographic reference.

Similarity of Pratt's measure of class concentration to the Gini index

Abstract: Pratt's measure of concentration is shown to be nearly identical to an already established measure of concentration, the Gini index. Pratt's measure is shown to be an improvement over the Gini index.

Depth of indexing

Abstract: For many years it has been believed that in order to design optimal document retrieval systems one must assign index terms to documents at their optimal depth; therefore, it was of primary importance to answer the following question: “What is the optimal depth of indexing?” This article offers an analysis and answer to this question. We show that the issue of depth of indexing is, in fact, not a central issue in the design of effective document retrieval systems. It turns out that the answer to the question about optimal depth is a logical consequence of answers (which this article provides) to more fundamental questions about indexing and retrieval.

On types of search and the allocation of library resources

Abstract: This article discusses the different types of searches made in libraries in two ways. In Part I a review of some examples of searches leads to the conclusion that the traditional dichotomy of “known item” and “subject search” is inadequate. A more satisfactory method would be to regard every search as being for both (more or less) specified documents and (more or less) specified “subjects.” Part II considers the allocation of library resources in relation to patterns of searches. The literature of user studies reveals significant variations in the nature of searches in different groups of users. Alternative allocations of library resources and choices concerning library technology vary considerably with respect to the cost effectiveness of the resulting service in meeting demands upon it. Viewing libraries from this perspective provides an explanation and rationalization of the distinctive features of different types of library: public, academic, and special.

Towards everyday language information retrieval systems via minicomputers

Abstract: Minicomputer-operated information retrieval (IR) systems are capable of employing relatively advanced methods, some of which are comparable with those employed in main-frame systems. Many of these systems operate on dedicated machines and can therefore provide very rapid access to information, while remaining under the direct control of an information department. One system has now given over three years of satisfactory operation: this is MORPHS-Minicomputer Operated Retrieval (Partially Heuristic) System. This system incorporates a number of linguistic features including the ability to find roots of words through affix stripping. Synonyms and compound words can also be handled and several search strategies (including SDI) are available. The latter have been developed considerably since the inception of the system. Consideration is given to the automation of the indexing process which is currently restricted to material for SDI.

Some statistical aspects of JASIS publications

Abstract: Statistics on the nationality, society memberships, and citation patterns of JASIS and other information science journal authors are presented, together with data concerning elapsed time between initial receipt of a manuscript and its publication.

Tutorial: Mathematical Modeling of Library Systems.

Abstract: The purpose of mathematical models is discussed and the phases of the modeling process are reviewed. These phases include: defining performance, representing the problem, predicting performance, estimating parameters, defining an optimization criterion, determining the optimal solution, and implementing the results. A selected review of models applied to library problems is presented. Models for book use, resource allocation, and library networks are considered.

Monograph Evaluation for Acquisitions in a Large Research Library.

Abstract: A computerized method of assisting monograph collection development by correlating circulation with inventory statistics is presented. This technique requires obtaining the library's circulation and inventory on each subject as defined by a call number. A circulation/inventory/time or circulation/inventory ratio is used to identify high- and low-use subject areas directly. These ratios, together with inventory data, may be obtained both for recent periods (up to one year), which will indicate changes in current information needs, and for more stable, long-term periods (1976 to date). High and low values are then defined by the library for inventory, circulation, and a circulation/inventory ratio according to budget and manpower restrictions. Data are used to identify subject areas in which (1) the collection is strong but more books should be purchased; (2) more books on similar subjects should be purchased; (3) the collection is adequate; (4) purchases should be minimized for some time period—perhaps a year; (5) the collection is large but weak. These data can also be used to obtain computer recommendations for the total number of monographs to be purchased as well as their subject distribution.

An information approach to examining developments in an energy technology: Coal gasification

Abstract: Developments in coal gasification research are investigated by examining the coal gasification literature, which is broadly defined to include journal articles, research reports, engineering proceedings, and patents. A substantial number of items were found for 1974, 1975, and the early part of 1976 (N = 1461). The coal gasification literature has experienced explosive growth in recent years, trebling in size between 1972 and 1974. While some of this growth may be associated with the recent “energy crisis,” in large measure it appears to be associated with the establishment of bench-scale and pilot plant coal gasification operations in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Most published coal gasification research is produced by the U.S. private sector (38.7%), followed by the U.S. government (24.0%), foreign researchers (20.5%), universities (8.5%), and “unknown” (8.5%). This study suggests that technologies which are government supported and reported in the public domain are—like most scientific areas—good candidates for bibliometric inquiries. These inquiries allow for relatively economic, efficient, and reliable examinations of national research activity in given scientific and technological areas.

Searching the Chemical Literature via Three On-Line Vendors: A Comparison.

Abstract: Nine chemistry searches were statistically selected to be run on three commercial data-base vendor files: SDC, BRS, and LRS. Each vendor has the CACon file, but software used for access and the method of loading the files differ. Only LRS has CASIA, the controlled vocabulary portion of the CA machine-readable file. Performance was not markedly different for general-subject searches, but costs varied. When the chemical registry number was used in the CASIA file for specific chemical compound searches, more relevant citations were retrieved, but at increased cost and with lower precision.

Performance assessment model for academic libraries

Abstract: Academic libraries are facing increased difficulties in carrying out their functions by traditional means. The continuing explosion of information coupled with spiraling costs are challenging library managers to accommodate these trends with little or no increase in funding. To meet this challenge, library managers must utilize and allocate resources in a more institutionally effective manner. Effective decision-making and planning, however, require appropriate management information. This article describes a conceptual framework for the development of a management information system including performance assessment components for linking institutional goals, library performance, and library management decision-making. The operational methodology required to evaluate resource allocations consistent with aggregate user needs and delineated organizational objectives is outlined. The resultant system would continuously monitor user needs, document availability, service utilization, and user productivity as means both to identify problems and opportunities and to assess the consequences of management decisions.

The wrong way to go

Abstract: Librarianship and science are antithetical as knowledge systems because the substance of the former is instrumental to the latter and vice versa. This is revealed by the diametric oppositions of (a) their objects and methods of study, and (b) their objects and means of mastery. The resulting differences between them may be summarized as follows: (1) The object of study in science is matter; in librarianship it is form. (2) The method of study is empirical in science; in librarianship it is rational. (3) The object of mastery is the physics of experience in science; in librarianship it is the metaphysics of thought. (4) The means of mastery is formal in science; in librarianship it is material.

Financial aspects of industrial information centers: A survey

Abstract: This article reports on a survey of the financial aspects of special libraries and information centers in American industrial companies. The objectives of this survey were to assess resources allocated to information centers, pricing behavior and cost behavior for such centers, and to obtain an indication of the accounting practices of such centers. Data on 41 characteristics were obtained from 87 centers in the Fortune 500 companies. The results of the data analysis are discussed and compared to other pertinent investigations of this type.

Utility-Theoretic Indexing.

Abstract: Utility‐theoretic indexing as presented by Cooper requires prediction of the consequences of each indexing decision. Cooper appears to think that this is the most rational way of indexing and can be known a priori to be preferable to alternatives. But its practical success is not guaranteed in advance; its claim to superior rationality rests only on its appeal to the consequences of decisions. One may rationally choose either individual actions or rules and policies for action: the requirements of rationality do not exclude action according to nonpredictive rules. Areas of choice are known in which predictive rules are inferior to nonpredictive rules. If Cooper's rule is practically superior to others, this cannot be known without appeal to experience.

The ICSU AB International classification system for physics: Its history and future

Abstract: An account is given of the process by which the International Classification System for Physics was developed and finally adopted by four major services that abstract and index the world's physics literature Details are given of the relevant historical background and of the collaborative procedures followed in achieving consensus in this international project, unique in its scale This effort was pursued under the aegis of the International Council of Scientific Unions and involved four services and other physics organizations Some technical points are discussed that bear on the problems of constructing classification systems that fulfill a variety of needs and express a compromise between similar preexisting structures Aspects of the experience of collaboration, which may be of use to similar enterprises, and some implications for the future of processing of scientific information on an international scale, are briefly reviewed

Simulating Circulation-Use Characteristic Curves Using Circulation Data.

Abstract: The statistics of time since the last due date for books in a library collection can be analyzed using the last-circulation method. The method works toward identifying those books in a library's stack collection that determine any given percentage of the current circulation. The application of the method traditionally requires a random sample from the stack collection but this requirement can be eliminated whenever records on circulation volume are available. The effectiveness of the method is improved significantly by consideration of the number of books in the stacks that have been acquired but not circulated. A theoretical foundation is provided showing the basic components and requirements, of the more efficient technique. This theory is then applied in an example that manipulates data collected from a university library.

Bradford distribution of data elements

Abstract: An examination of the occurrence of data elements within the various indexes and bibliographies produced by the 15 intergovernmental organizations of the United Nations system revealed a classic Bradford distribution. Interestingly, in this case the data is the number of types, not tokens. Implications for bibliographic unification are discussed.