Linda C. Smith

Reference and information services : an introduction

Thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect current developments in the field, this text is designed to provide the beginning student of library and information science with an overview of the most important tools for general reference work and the concepts and theory behind todays reference services. The 21 chapters are divided into two parts. The first 11 chapters deal with concepts and theory and are topical. They cover such areas as ethical aspects of reference services, reference interview, the principles and goals of library instruction, bibliographic control and search strategies, training and continuing education for reference staff, the evaluation of reference services, and the management of these services. In many cases, specific applications in different types of libraries are pointed out. Expanded coverage of electronic reference service is provided by two full chapters devoted to basic principles and current trends in this area. A separate chapter covers unique approaches to reference service for special groups. Part 2 describes the general principles and sources for selecting and evaluating reference tools and the principles for building a reference collection. The remaining chapters discuss the characteristics and uses of particular types of reference tools. This new edition describes a greater number of titles of each type as well as the formulation of strategies for the effective use of specific sources or groups of sources. Scenarios in particular library settings conclude each chapter, offering realistic reference questions and appropriate search strategies. Throughout the text, boxes are used to highlight specific issues, concepts and search strategies that underlie contemporary reference services. Selected important sources for further reading are listed at the end of each chapter. This text presents the essential theory and practical knowledge necessary for an initial reference course. Its broad scope and organisational clarity should benefit students and practitioners alike.

Artificial intelligence in information retrieval systems

Abstract A survey is given of the potential role of artificial intelligence in retrieval systems. Papers by Bush and Turing are used to introduce early ideas in the two fields and definitions for artificial intelligence and information retrieval for the purposes of this paper are given. A simple model of an information retrieval system provides a framework for subsequent discussion of artificial intelligence concepts and their applicability in information retrieval. Concepts surveyed include pattern recognition, representation, problem solving and planning, heuristics, and learning. The paper concludes with an outline of areas for further research on artificial intelligence in information retrieval systems.

INFORMATION QUALITY IN A COMMUNITY-BASED ENCYCLOPEDIA

AbstractWe examine the Information Quality aspects of Wikipedia. By a study of the discussion pages and other process-oriented pages within the Wikipedia project, it is possible to determine the information quality dimensions that participants in the editing process care about, how they talk about them, what tradeoffs they make between these dimensions and how the quality assessment and improvement process operates. This analysis helps in understanding how high quality is maintained in a project where anyone may participate with no prior vetting. It also carries implications for improving the quality of more conventional datasets.

Evaluation of interactive knowledge-based systems: overview and design for empirical testing

An overview of levels and approaches in the evaluation of knowledge‐based systems is presented. There is a need for empirical studies using objective criteria in advance of completing the technical evaluation of such systems. A methodology for this type of evaluation developed for a particular knowledge‐based indexing system is presented. It is suggested that the proposed study may serve as a model for the design of any evaluation in which the results of existing intellectual procedures are compared with results achieved when these procedures are aided by use of an appropriate expert system.

Journal of the American Society for Information Science ( JASIS ): past, present and future

This paper explores how the Journal of the American Society for Information Science (JASIS) has developed and what it might become. Topics covered include JASIS versus other ASIS publications, types of papers in JASIS, authors, competing journals, content scope, electronic enhancements, and how information scientists might shape the future of JASIS.

Known-Item Search: Variations on a Concept

The concept of known-item search has long been central to research and application in library and information science. It is surprising then that this concept has received practically no systematic discussion. We survey the various conceptual and operational characterizations of known-item search in the LIS literature in order to determine exactly how the concept is being understood by its users. We demonstrate that this apparently simple notion is actually quite complex and varied, and moreover, that there is hardly a single feature ordinarily associated with it that can confidently be said to be an essential part of the concept.

Syracuse information retrieval experiment (SIRE): design of an on-line bibliographic retrieval system

Proponents of interactive online bibliographic retrieval systems frequently stress the potential of such systems to take advantage of both human and computer capabilities in the document retrieval process. Yet systems implemented to date have to a great extent placed constraints on both human and machine performance by decisions made at the design stage. To increase the flexibility of online systems, alternative modes of document representation, storage utilization, and query formulation should be considered.

Behavioural treatment of urinary incontinence and encopresis in children with learning disabilities: transfer of stimulus control.

Urinary and faecal incontinence present a considerable problem in people with learning disabilities, despite the general effectiveness of behavioural techniques in continence training. Children with learning disabilities and obsessional behaviour may be particularly resistant to toilet training, even where relatively cognitively able, and often despite a substantial degree of control over their eliminatory functions. Their resistance may be more appropriately regarded as a challenging behaviour and their incontinence better explained by factors other than a simple failure to learn. A stimulus‐control’hypothesis proposes that the childs nappy (diaper) /potty/underwear has developed strong stimulus control over the elimination response. This report describes three case studies in which treatment‐resistant children, aged between 8 and 12 years, with mild or moderate learning disabilities, were successfully treated for nappy‐dependent nocturnal encopresis or diurnal urinary incontinence. The children were routine case referrals for whom previous attempts to train bowel or bladder control had failed. Behavioural techniques, such as shaping’(gradually increasing the proximity to the toilet),‘fading’(reducing the presence of the nappy), and rewards for eliminating, effected successful transfer of stimulus control over elimination from nappy to toilet. Treatment times varied, depending on the degree of the childs obsession and resistance to change.

Teaching Online: Changing Models of Teaching and Learning in LEEP

Consistent with the ALISE (Association for Library and Information Science Education) 2001 theme of Reconsidering Library and Information Science Education, this paper reports on a study of changing faculty, student, and teaching assistant roles in the context of LEEP, a site-independent, distance education scheduling option for the master of science (M.S.) degree offered by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Data collection involved design and distribution of a questionnaire addressed to all faculty who have taught at least one course in LEEP, follow-up interviews with faculty to gather responses to selected open-ended questions, and observation of face-to-face and synchronous sessions for selected courses. Data relevant to changing roles of faculty, students, and teaching assistants were extracted and analyzed to identify themes. For faculty, themes include teaching as collaboration, teaching as public (and permanent) performance, teaching as creating a learning environment, teaching as workload management, teaching as media management, teaching 24/7 and time management, and teaching as computer-mediated communication. For students, themes include pursuing a dual education, sharing expertise and support, and maintaining presence. Teaching assistants focused on new forms of partnerships.

On‐line systems in the communication process: Projections

The current place of on-line systems within the communication process in science and technology is defined. On-line systems can be termed “value-added information sources,” as illustrated by examples of available bibliographic data bases, numeric data banks, and referral data bases. Limitations of existing patterns of data base production and distribution are described, and the management considerations in operating on-line search services in libraries are outlined, including financing, facilities, staffing, service promotion, document delivery, and evaluation. The role of library schools in preparing searchers of on-line systems is also reviewed. A number of future developments in on-line systems are predicted based on available technological forecasts. The ways in which professionals can be expected to use future on-line systems are described, highlighting important differences from the present information-seeking environment. The article concludes with an assessment of the roles of libraries and of information specialists in the world of electronic publication, suggesting that while the library as an institution may decline in importance, the information specialist of the future is likely to provide information support services much richer and more varied than those offered by the librarian of today.