Grins, an on-line structure for the negotiation of inquiries

In general, problems are solvable along a continuum of abstraction. There is, at any given point in the development of the solution, a most efficient or optimum strategy. In information retrieval systems the ultimate solution is obtained at a more specific rather than at a more abstract level. An online computer program called GRINS is described which implements the information specialist\u27s role in the negotiating of a user\u27s need. The structure of the program is modular so that improvements may be easily made. Some improvements are suggested