Showing papers in "Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology in 1984"

Online searching styles: A case-study-based model of searching behavior

Abstract: The model of operationalist and conceptualist searching styles describes searching behavior of experienced online searchers. It is based on the systematic observation of five experienced online searchers doing their regular, job-related searches, and on the analysis of 10 to 13 searches conducted by each of them. Operational-ist searchers aim at optimal strategles to achleve precise retrieval; they use a large range of system capabilities in their interaction. They preserve the specific meaning of the request, and the aim of their iterations is an answer set representing the request precisely. Conceptualist searchers analyze a request by seeking to fit it into a faceted structure. They first enter the facet that represents the most important aspect of the request. Their search is then centered on retrieving subsets from this primary set by introducing additional facets. In contrast to the operationalists, they are primarily concerned with recall. During the interaction they preserve the faceted structure, but may change the specific meaning of the request. Although not comprehensive, the model aids in recognizing special and individual characteristics of searching behavior which provide explanations of previous research and guidelines for further investigations into the search process.

Longitudinal author cocitation mapping: The changing structure of macroeconomics

Abstract: Author cocitation analysis was used to investigate changes in the intellectual structure of Macroeconomics over two consecutive time periods, 1972–1977 and 1978–1983. Profile analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling and clustering techniques were used to create two-dimensional maps displaying the changing relationships among 41 authors as perceived by scholars citing their work over the two time periods. Clusters of points on the map, representing authors, correspond to theory groups or research areas. Authors in Rational Expectations Theory, Implicit Contracts, and a general group labeled “Post-Monetarist” show a marked increase in mean cocitation rate. The first is a school of thought emerging as a new focal point of scholarly activity in Macroeconomics. Two types of scholarly “migration” are observed, based on patterns of significant increases and decreases in correlations among authors—“active migration” (the individual refocussing of a scholar's efforts) and “passive migration” (the result of reevaluation of an author's previous contributions in the context of the rise of new problem areas).

Co‐citation analysis and the invisible college

Abstract: Co-citation analysis is based on the assumption that all citing articles view the scientific literature from a common point-of-view. When a co-citation matrix is analyzed, this assumption affects measures of the dimensionality and clustering of articles. Therefore, before a co-citation matrix is constructed, the citing articles should be limited to those written by individuals in an invisible college.

On information science

Abstract: E-LIS (E-prints in library and information science) is an open archive devoted to library and information sciences. It is an international digital library that has functioned since January 2003, with the goal of spreading the open access philosophy within our community. Its characteristics and functionality are described briefly, as are the background and reasons for its creation. The article explains how the use of the GNU Eprints software was a determining factor in the archive's current structure. In concluding, E-LIS is promoted not only as a source of information for retrieving full text documents, but also as an example for the LIS community of open archives and of the changes that are affecting all scholarly communication.

Approaches to machine learning

Abstract: The field of machine learning strives to develop methods and techniques to automate the acquisition of new information, new skills, and new ways of organizing existing information. This article reviews the major approaches to machine learning in symbolic domains, illustrated with occasional paradigmatic examples.

"Citation Classics" Analysis: An Approach to Characterizing Interdisciplinary Research.

Abstract: The Science Indicators series has paid little heed to interdisciplinary research. This article seeks (1) to distinguish multi- or interdisciplinary (IDR) research from single or monodisciplinary research, and (2) to characterize IDR, i.e., begin to describe how it differs from other research. A peculiar population of “over-cited” articles is defined by the Institute for Scientific Information's “Citation Classics.” A sample of 1981 classics (which appear weekly in Current Contents) was examined for suspected interdisciplinary (IDR) content and/or usage. Between 10 and 20% were identified as possibly IDR. A subsample of these was traced through SCI and JCR categories to construct 10-year citation histories. Content analysis of subject category concentration was also performed. We conclude that citation of a classic follows no set pattern. Time- and category-sensitive indicators are discussed.

A review and application of citation analysis methodology to reading research journal literature

Abstract: This article reviews citation analysis literature and explores the use of citation analysis as a method for identifying highly cited core journals and indicating the disciplinary structure and interrelations of journals reporting reading research. Citation data from the 1980 Journal Citation Reports were used to generate a journal size-independent Reading Research Impact Factor as a criterion for selecting high impact journals. References from seven citing journals were used to produce a set of 92 candidate core list journals. After four iterations, a final diverse set of 27 highly cited journals emerged including publications from reading, education, educational psychology, educational research, language, cognitive psychology, general psychology, developmental and child psychology, and experimental psychology. Six journals from the area of communication were added to complete the list. Analysis of the 10-year temporal distribution of recent citations from 25 of the highly cited journals pinpointed the immediacy effect of reading research as being on the borderline between hard and soft science with such research exhibiting a strong flavor from cognate areas of psychology. Problems and limitations related to citation analyses are discussed.

Expert Systems: A Tutorial.

Abstract: Expert systems are intelligent computer applications that use data, a knowledge base, and a control mechanism to solve problems of sufficient difficulty that significant human expertise is necessary for their solution. Expert systems use artificial intelligence problem-solving and knowledge-representation techniques to combine human expert knowledge about a problem area with human expert methods of conceptualizing and reasoning about that problem area. As a result, it is expected that such systems can reach a level of performance comparable to that of a human expert in a specialized problem area. The high-level knowledge base and associated control mechanism of expert systems are in essence a model of the expertise of the best practitioners of the problem area in question and, hence, human users are provided with expert opinions about problems in that area. Expert systems do not pretend to give final or ultimate conclusions to displace human decision making; they are intended for consulting purposes only.

Search interview techniques and information gain as antecedents of user satisfaction with online bibliographic retrieval

Abstract: The purpose of this research study was to undertake a systematic investigation into the relationships among: (1) the techniques used by search analysts during preliminary interviews with users before engaging in online retrieval of bibliograpThe purpose of this research study was to undertake a systematic investigation into the relationships among: (1) the techniques used by search analysts during preliminary interviews with users before engaging in online retrieval of bibliograpThe purpose of this research study was to undertake a systematic investigation into the relationships among: (1) the techniques used by search analysts during preliminary interviews with users before engaging in online retrieval of bibliograpThe purpose of this research study was to undertake a systematic investigation into the relationships among: (1) the techniques used by search analysts during preliminary interviews with users before engaging in online retrieval of bibliographic citations; (2) the amount of new information gained by the user as a result of the search; and (3) the user's ultimate satisfaction with the quality of the items retrieved. A series of controlled experiments were conducted to explore the effects of two interview techniques: the conscious use of “open” and “closed” questions and the use of pauses of different lengths by the search analyst during the online negotiation interview. Data were collected on various aspects of the user's need for information, the value he/she placed upon new knowledge, and the consequences of inadequate information. The analytical technique used was path analysis. While search analysts displayed no difficulty in asking open and closed questions, they found considerable difficulty in controlling the lengths of pauses. Among the findings were the following: the asking of open and closed questions had a modest effect on the amount learned by the users; the type of pause did have a significant effect on the amount clients learned; average user satisfaction was higher when open questions were asked; overall satisfaction was lower when moderate pauses were used; those learning most about their topic were, overall, more satisfied than those who learned less; those placing high importance on the information obtained tended to have lower satisfaction scor and “closed” questions and the use of pauses of different lengths by the search analyst during the online negotiation interview. Data were collected on various aspects of the user's need for information, the value he/sh and “closed” questions and the use of pauses of different lengths by the search analyst during the online negotiation interview. Data were collected on various aspects of the user's need for information, the value he/sh and “closed” questions and the use of pauses of different lengths by the search analyst during the online negotiation interview. Data were collected on various aspects of the user's need for information, the value he/she place upon new knowledge, and the consequences of inadequate information. The analytical technique used was path analysis. While search analysts displayed no difficulty in asking open and closed questions, they found considerable difficulty in controlling the lengths of pauses. Among the findings were the followlng: the ask. ing of open and closed questions had a modest effect on the amount learned by the users; the type of pause did have a significant effect on the amount clients learned; average user satisfaction was higher when open questions were asked; overall satisfaction was lower when moderate pauses were used; those learning most about their topic were, overall, more satisfied than those who learned less; those placing high importance on the information obtained tended to have lower satisfaction scores.

Maximum entropy principle

Abstract: presented by Ari Frank presented by Ari Frank 2 T al k O utl ine T al k O utl ine What is the Maximum Entropy Principle? What is the Maximum Entropy Principle? Maximum Entropy mod els f or text Maximum Entropy mod els f or text classif ication. classif ication.

Brief history of information science

Abstract: Information science is the product of convergences of library science, computer and punched card science, R & D documentation, abstracting and indexing, communications science, behavioral science, micro- and macro-publishing, video and optical science, and various other fields and disciplines. The role and contribution of each participating segment is reflected in certain basic and seminal writings, in the work of “major actors” in the field, and in major events or developments. These contributing sources are reviewed, analyzed, and related, as a means of tracing the history of the field, from its pre-and post-World War II beginnings to the early 1980s, to the near-term future.

Informational Dynamics of Journal Article Titles.

Abstract: The informational dynamics of journal article titles was investigated by analyzing the changing informational value of titles over time. The Informational value of titles was measured by counting the total number of words (y τ) in a title, counting the number of substantive words (ys), or keywords, in a title, and computing the proportion of substantive words (yp = ys/yτ) In a title. Random samples of journal article titles were gathered from four selected journals, six library journals, and six miscellaneous journals over the period from 1951 through 1980. The informational values were averaged by year to yield annual means for Yτ, Ys, and Yp. The patterns of change of these annual means were analyzed over time by regression analysis. We questioned whether linear regression analysis would yield equations representing the underlying data with a 95% or greater level of confidence. The results of these analyses were linear equations of the form, y = mt + b, where y Is the dependent variable (informational value), m is the slope of the equation, t is the independent variable (time), and b is the y-intercept of the equation. The sign (+ or -) of the slope (m) indicates the direction of change (increasing or decreasing) of the informational dynamics of journal article titles. A rate of change was computed by differential calculus by differentiating informational value with respect to time. Rate of change Indicates how rapidly change is occurring. The sample journals selected in this research represent the primary literature, the review literature, the physical science literature, the social science literature, the library literature, and a miscellaneous collection of six journals.

Testing of a natural language retrieval system for a full text knowledge base

Abstract: “A Navigator of Natural Language Organized Data” (ANNOD) is a retrieval system which combines use of probabilistic, linguistic, and empirical means to rank individual paragraphs of full text for their similarity to natural language queries proposed by users. ANNOD includes common word deletion, word root isolation, query expansion by a thesaurus, and application of a complex empirical matching (ranking) algorithm. The Hepatitis Knowledge Base, the text of a prototype information system, was the file used for testing ANNOD. Responses to a series of users' unrestricted natural language queries were evaluated by three testers. Information needed to answer 85 to 95‰ of the queries was located and displayed in the first few selected paragraphs. It was successful in locating information in both the classified (listed in Table of Contents) and unclassified portions of text. Development of this retrieval system resulted from the complementarity of and interaction between computer science and medical domain expert knowledge. Extension of these techniques to larger knowledge bases is needed to clarify their proper role.

Two partitioning type clustering algorithms

Abstract: In this article, two partitioning type clustering algorithms are presented. Both algorithms use the same method for selecting cluster seeds; however, assignment of documents to the seeds is different. The first algorithm uses a new concept called “cover coefficient,” and it is a single-pass algorithm. The second one uses a conventional measure for document assignment to the cluster seeds and is a multipass algorithm. The concept of clustering, a model for seed oriented partitioning, the new centroid generation approach, and an illustration for both algorithms are also presented in the article.

Scientific inquiry: A model for online searching

Abstract: Scientific inquiry is proposed as a philosophical and behavioral model for online information retrieval. The nature of scientific research is described and online analogs to the research concepts of variable, hypothesis formulation and testing, operational definition, validity, reliability, assumption, and the cyclical nature of research are established. A case is made for the inevitability of end-user searching. It is argued that the model is of interest not only for its own sake, for the intellectual parallels that can be established between two apparently disparate human activities, but as a useful framework for discussion and analysis of the online search process from an educational and evaluative viewpoint.

Internationality of the Social Sciences: Implications for Information Transfer.

Abstract: On souligne l'interet universel des sciences sociales. Une analyse des citations montre qu'il n'existe pas un libre flux d'information a travers les frontieres nationales et linguistiques. On considere les implications de cette situation pour la planification de nouveaux services de bibliotheque et d'information qui refleteraient les activites de communication et les exigences vis-a-vis de l'information des chercheurs en sciences sociales

Natural language processing

Abstract: Natural language processing has two primary roles to play in the storage and retrieval of large bodies of information: providing a friendly, easily-learned interface to information retrieval systems, and automatically structuring texts so that their information can be more easily processed and retrieved. This article outlines the organization of a natural language interface for data retrieval (a “question—answering system”) and some of the approaches being taken to text structuring. It closes by describing a few of the research issues in computational linguistics and a possibility for using interactive natural language processing for information acquisition.

Trends in library and information science education

Abstract: Educational programs for library and information science will be changing during the next decade in order to meet society's need for trained information professionals capable of working in libraries, in governmental and industrial information centers, and as information consultants and entrepreneurs. In seeking to discern educational trends, present practices are analyzed in terms of the influences of educational externalities over which the institution has relatively little control, and the educational internalities over which the school has jurisdiction. Based upon this analysis, possible future trends and developments in library and information science education are presented not as a blueprint for the future but as a stimulus for discussion and planning.

Research productivity and breadth of interest of computer scientists

Abstract: The relationship between research productivity of computer scientists (as indicated by the number of papers published) and the breadth of research interest was investigated. A random sample of 419 authors was drawn from a four-year cumulative author index of Computer and Control Abstracts. Data on the number of papers published by these authors and the subject dispersion of these papers were also gathered from Computer and Control Abstracts. A moderately strong positive correlation was found between the number of papers published by each author and the number of subfields of computer science in which these papers were published. Research productivity and breadth of research interest of computer scientists appear to be directly related. It also appears that computer scientists have a more diversified research interest within their own field than environmental scientists who tend to work consistently in a well-defined subfield of their discipline.

Morse's Markov model of book use revisited

Abstract: Over a decade ago, P M Morse suggested a simple Markov model of book use for a science library Since then, his model has been modified and used in a number of applications, but the reliability of the basic assumptions underlying the model's parameters has not been tested Utilizing 11 years of circulation transactions of a university library, it is shown that (1) Morse's model fits approximately 99% of the data for the whole collection and for three subject areas, and (2) contrary to his assumptions, one of the model's two parameters, a, is time dependent

Use of arabic in computerized information interchange

Abstract: There is a growing demand in the Arab world for the use of Arabic script in inputting and accessing information systems and the establishment of Arab databases. In all Arab countries, Arabic is the working language In management, business, accounting, education, arts, and literature and to a lesser extent in science, medicine, and engineering. Arab member countries in the International Information System for Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGRIS), whose carrler language is English, face some difficulties in preparing documents in the Arabic language for AGRIS input. The method of script conversion through transliteration, which is used by AGRIS and the Library of Congress is neither helpful or acceptable to Arab librarians and Information specialists. These and similar complaints have prompted information and computer specialists to address the issues of Arabization of computer terminals and Input/output procedures. This article addresses the problem of Arabic computerized Information exchange and highlights the basic differences between treatment of Arabic and English. It also discusses the various Arab attempts to formulate standards for coding Arabic letters and vowels points and their sorting sequence. Another area that this article explores is the high degree of syntactical flexibility which characterizes the Arabic language and complicates data retrieval, computer aided translation, and human machine interface. A unified standard for the Arab/Latin Computer Code known as CODAR-UFD based on the ASCII Code was adopted in 1982. This article discusses this new code and describes some of the existing terminals that use other codes.

Integrating America's Infostructure.

Abstract: The INFOSTRUCTURE is defined by using a map of the information industry to show the interrelationships of eight industry segments: content services, content packages, facilitation services, information technologies, integrating technologies, communications technologies, communications channels, and broadcast channels. The key force for integration is the information content that holds the industry together and gives it a ralson d'etre. The criteria for identifying information businesses are identified and each segment of the map is reviewed in relation to these parameters. A new, vertically integrated INFOSTRUCTURE is revealed, based on information and communication technology and designed to deliver information content.

System design for detection and correction of spelling errors in scientific and scholarly text

Abstract: The SPEEDCOP project recently completed at Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) extracted over 50,000 misspellings from approximately 25,000,000 words of text from seven scientific and scholarly databases. The misspellings were automatically classified and analyzed and the results used to design and implement a program that proved capable of correcting most such errors. Analysis of the performance of the spelling error detection and correction programs highlighted the features that should be incorporated into a powerful and user-friendly interactive system suitable for nonprogram-mers. These include document level thresholds for misspelling detection, automatic reuse of user decisions, and user verification and control of correction. An advantage of the proposed design is that the system automatically customizes itself to its environment. This article is primarily concerned with system design, not implementation details.

A Note on the Use of Nearest Neighbors for Implementing Single Linkage Document Classifications.

Abstract: Best match search algorithms provide an efficient means of identifying the sets of nearest neighbors for each of the documents in a collection. These sets contain much of the important similarity data contained in a full interdocument similarity matrix and may be used for the generation of hierarchic document classifications, such as those arising from the use of the single linkage clustering method. Cluster based retrieval experiments based upon such classifications are shown to give results that are comparable in effectiveness with those obtained using the full similarity matrix.

Artificial intelligence: Underlying assumptions and basic objectives

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) research has recently captured media interest and it is fast becoming our newest “hot” technology. AI is an interdisciplinary field which derives from a multiplicity of roots. In this article we present our perspectives on methodological assumptions underlying research efforts in Al. We also discuss the goals (design objectives) of AI across the spectrum of subareas it comprises. We conclude by discussing why there is increased interest in AI and whether current predictions of the future importance of AI are well founded.

Information Seeking Expressions of Users.

Abstract: Five types of information seeking expressions of users are identified by an analysis of a sample of such expressions and of analogous expressions in another social context. The treatment of these expressions in the literature of information retrieval iFive types of information seeking expressions of users are identified by an analysis of a sample of such expressions and of analogous expressions in another social context. The treatment of these expressions in the literature of information retrieval iFive types of information seeking expressions of users are identified by an analysis of a sample of such expressions and of analogous expressions in another social context. The treatment of these expressions in the literature of information retrieval iFive types of information seeking expressions of users are identified by an analysis of a sample of such expressions and of analogous expressions in another social context. The treatment of these expressions in the literature of information retrieval is reviewed. Two recommendations are offered: (1) information specialists should call questions “questions,” requests “requests,” statements “statements,” commands “commands,” and truncated expressions “truncated expressions,” and (2) both the search interview and the search itself should focus upon user questio requests “requests,” statements “statements,” commands “commands,” and truncated expressions “truncated expressions,” and (2) both the search interview and the search itself should requests “requests,” statements “statements,” commands “commands,” and truncated expressions “truncated expressions,” and (2) both the search interview and the search itself should requests “requests,” statements “statements,” commands “commands,” and truncated expressions “truncated expressions,” and (2) both the search interview and the search itself should focus upon user questions.

Less Than Full-Text Indexing Using a Non-Boolean Searching Model.

Abstract: The relative effectiveness of indexing using full-text or less than full-text was tested using a non-Boolean, chaining type of file structure and searching method. Indexing was done using titles, abstracts, full-text, references, and various combinations of these surrogates and then Goffman's indirect method of information retrieval was used to structure and search the file. The database consisted of 733 documents and 38 queries were searched. The hypothesis of the study was that by using a particular non-Boolean method as a file structuring and searching technique, full-text indexing is not essential to optimum information retrieval effectiveness. The outcome of the study was positive.

Information Science Research: The Search for the Nature of Information.

Abstract: High-level scientific research in the information sciences is illustrated by a sample of recent discoveries involving the design of information-processing algorithms, bibliometric scaling, and flows of information in biological systems and in countries. It is pointed out that when the concept of information first assumed an independent identity, the only known information processing systems were biological; now, after four decades of vigorous development of electronic information systems, the search for the essential nature of information is focussing again on biological systems and on sociotechnological systems as well.

Toward a paradigm for information science: The influence of derek de solla price

Abstract: With the passing of Derek De Solla Price on September 3, 1983, information science has lost one of its great pioneers and its greatest intellectual leader. The entire first generation of information scientists, including myself, were inspired, stimulated, and guided by him. His Science Since Babylon opened a new intellectual world to many of us in the late 1950s, one that invited exploration and challenged the talents and imagination of the scientifically trained. He died in London, where he was born on January 22, 1922. He was a brilliant lecturer. Using but a few notes scribbled on the back of an envelope or notepad, he presented logically coherent, fact-filled, scintillating performances. The penultimate time I had the privilege to hear him was in Tel-Aviv in March 1983, as the main speaker at the conference on miniand microcomputers. When asked where he learned to lecture so eloquently, he said that, because he stuttered as a child, his grandfather had him practice clear diction and extemporaneous speaking. The name Price came from his father and de Solla from his mother, both from Jewish families that emigrated to England (from Spain via Amsterdam in the case of the de Sollas). That family, he once said, traced its ancestry and relation to the Portugese branch of the de Sola family, whose descendant, Ithiel de Sola Pool is another renowned information scientist of our day. In 1941, at the age of 19, and a year before he graduated with first honors from the University of London (external) in mathematics and physics, he published his first paper, “An Aspect of the Future of Scientific Research.” Little did he suspect at the time that he was to shape that future and to found a science of science that provides a systematic foundation for studying the growth of sciences. During the war (World War I1 for the younger readers who require disambiguation) he assisted in experimental research on optics, taught and obtained a patent for an emissivity-correcting optical pyronieter. When he received his first Ph.D. in 1946 from the University of London in experimental physics, he had already published