1 research outputs found
Reference retrieval based on user induced dynamic clustering
PhD ThesisThe problem of mechanically retrieving references to
documents, as a first step to fulfilling the information
need of a researcher, is tackled through the design of an
interactive computer program. A view of reference retriev-
al is presented which embraces the browsing activity. In
fact, browsing is considered important and regarded as
ubiquitous. Thus, for successful retrieval (in many circum-
stances), a device which permits conversation is needed.
Approaches to automatic (delegated) retrieval are surveyed,
as are on-line systems which support interaction. This type
of interaction usually consists of iteration, under the
user's control, in the query formulation process.
A program has been constructed to tryout another
approach to man-machine dialogue in this field. The machine
builds a model of the user's interest, and chooses refer-
ences for display according to its current state. The model
is expressed in terms of the program's knowledge of the
network of references ans literature of the field, namely a
associated subject descriptors, authors and any other entity
of potential interest. The user need not formulate a query
- the model varies as a consequence of his reactions to
references shown to him. The model can be regarded as a
binary classification induced by the user's messages.
The program has been used experimentally with a small
collection of references and the structured vocabulary from
the kedlars system. A brief account of the program design
methodology is also given.Office for Scientific and Technical Information(OSTI