Search (1202 results, page 1 of 61)

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Abstract

Describes a statistical study of 3 databases, conducted at Iowa State University, on holding links between citation databases and the online catalogue. It provides insights into the construction and quality control of citation databases and online catalogues, and identifies a new issue of continued maintenance of ISBNs and ISSNs for cataloguers

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Abstract

A thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary designed to allow for effective information retrieval. It con- sists of different kinds of semantic relationships, with the aim of guiding users to the choice of the most suitable index and search terms for expressing a certain concept. The relational semantics of a thesaurus deal with methods to connect terms with related meanings and arc intended to enhance information recall capabilities. In this paper, focused on hierarchical relations, different aspects of the relational semantics of thesauri, and among them the possibility of developing richer structures, are analyzed. Thesauri are viewed as semantic tools providing, for operational purposes, the representation of the meaning of the terms. The paper stresses how theories of semantics, holding different perspectives about the nature of meaning and how it is represented, affect the design of the relational semantics of thesauri. The need for tools capable of representing the complexity of knowledge and of the semantics of terms as it occurs in the literature of their respective subject fields is advocated. It is underlined how this would contribute to improving the retrieval of information. To achieve this goal, even though in a preliminary manner, we explore the possibility of setting against the framework of thesaurus design the notions of language games and hermeneutic horizon.

Theme

Konzeption und Anwendung des Prinzips Thesaurus

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Abstract

As part of the ongoing Illinois Digital Library Initiative project, this research proposes an intelligent agent approach to Web searching. In this experiment, we developed 2 Web personal spiders based on best first search and genetic algorithm techniques, respectively. These personal spiders can dynamically take a user's selected starting homepages and search for the most closely related homepages in the Web, based on the links and keyword indexing. A graphical, dynamic, Jav-based interface was developed and is available for Web access. A system architecture for implementing such an agent-spider is presented, followed by deteiled discussions of benchmark testing and user evaluation results. In benchmark testing, although the genetic algorithm spider did not outperform the best first search spider, we found both results to be comparable and complementary. In user evaluation, the genetic algorithm spider obtained significantly higher recall value than that of the best first search spider. However, their precision values were not statistically different. The mutation process introduced in genetic algorithms allows users to find other potential relevant homepages that cannot be explored via a conventional local search process. In addition, we found the Java-based interface to be a necessary component for design of a truly interactive and dynamic Web agent

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Abstract

Describes the application of the Practical Extraction and Report Langugae (perl) software used for the creation of web pages on the Internet and WWW by holding together the different computerized information sources

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Abstract

Discusses the issues involved in the development of data formats for computerized information retrieval systems. Integrated databases capable of holding both bibliographic and factual information, in a single database structure, are more convenient for searching and retrieval by end users. Several bibliographic formats have been developed and are used for these bibliographic control puposes. Reviews features of 6 major bibliographic formats: USMARC, UKMARC, UNIMARC, CCF, MIBIS and ABNCD are reviewed. Only 2 formats: CCF and ABNCD are capable of holding both bibliographic and factual information and supporting the design of integrated databases. The comparison suggests that, while CCF makes more detailed provision for bibliographic information, ABNCD makes better provision for factual information such as profiles of institutions, information systems, projects and human experts

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Abstract

Successful subject searching depends upon the terminology of the search query. This paper compares the terminology of book titles with that of LCSH on a semantic level. Methods of analyzing titles into title phrases that serve as matching units are described. Guidelines used to choose LCSHs with the closest semantic matches to title phrases are set forth. The pairing of title phrases with semantically related LCSHs constitutes the data of the study. Categories representing the types of semantic relationships holding between pairs of terms are defined. Results of the study show that the most common semantic relationship holding between title phrases and LCSH is a hierarchical one where title phrases are more specific than LCSHs

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Abstract

The British Library (BL) is CD-ROM as a medium for the distribution of bibliographic records. The BL has been looking at the possibilities for putting its data bases on CD-ROM and has collaborated with the Bibliothèque Nationale, France, to produce a pilot disc holding British and French bibliographic records which has been widely distributed. The BL plans to issue the British National Bibliography on CD-ROM this year, and progress is being made on other cooperative ventures between European national libraries.

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Abstract

IRIS is an implementation of the Z39.50 protocol on a network of 6 major Irish research libraries. Usrs have access to simultaneous searching the 6 library catalogues from single search requests and can submit requests for items to the holding library's interlibrary loan section. It offers a gateway connection to UnCover, the contents page service of CARL Systems Inc.

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Abstract

Describes the CURL database, established by the Consortium of University Research Libraries (CURL); a group of 7 of the largest UK university libraries. The CURL database is a union catalogue holding 2,9 million cataloguing records of the CURL libraries, 0,5 million BNB records and 3,7 million LoC records. Concentrates on the telecommunications network aspects of the CURL database, access to which is over JANET, and the features of the CURL OCLC service

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Abstract

Addresses some of the questions raised by school library media specialists but intended to help all those whose last cataloguing course was taken in library school before the technological revolution to make the most of the MARC record format. Covers necessary cataloguing tools and basic information needed to create an accurate MARC record, as well as successful additional information and some expectations of its future iuses. Emphasizes the importance of accurate MARC records if the online catalogue is to meet user needs, and be able to be merged with other catalogues. Also notes the MARC record's usefulness in streamlining activities such as circulation, use statistics, overdue notices, holding reports, bibliographies and inventories

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Abstract

Current hypertext systems have been widely and effectively used on relatively small data volumes. Explores the potential of database technology for aiding the implementation of hypertext systems holding very large amounts of complex data. Databases meet many requirements of the hypermedium: persistent data management, large volumes, data modelling, multi-level architecture with abstractions and views, metadata integrated with operational data, short-term transaction processing and high-level end-user languages for searching and updating data. Describes a system implementing the storage, retrieval and recall of trails through hypertext comprising textual complex objects (to illustrate the potential for the use of data bases). Discusses weaknesses in current database systems for handling the complex modelling required

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Abstract

Describes the survey of the Scottish Record Office's entire holding of about 21 kilometers of records and the creation of the computerized records location system using Microsoft Access. The process took from Sep 93 to Spring 95. The system is based on 3 interlinked tables which give: room details, containing the number of each room on each floor, in each building; bay details, containing details of the collections in each room; and collection details, containing details of the collections in each bay. Combining data from the tables gives precise information on space use and availabiblity. Explains the use of the tables, describes the graphic display and concludes that the system has provided a valuable tool for the records office

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Abstract

The Science & Society Picture Library (SSPL) has been established to market the images of 3 of Britain's museums: the Science Museum in London, the National Railway Museum in York, and the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford - collectively called the National Museum of Science and Industry). The images are drawn from many different collections within these museums and, as a result, SSPL represents one of the widest varieties of photographs, paintings, prints, posters and objects in the world. Discusses issues surrounding the SSPL's current task of developing an integrated cataloguing and indexing strategy by which metadata construction can proceed, and which will provide potential users with effective and standardized subject access to the many components of its holding

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Abstract

Typographical errors in bibliographic records can cause retrieval problems in online catalogs. This study examined one hundred typographical errors in records in the OCLC WorldCat database. The local catalogs of five libraries holding the items described by the bibliographic records with typographical errors were searched to determine whether each library had corrected the errors. The study found that only 35.8 percent of the errors had been corrected. Knowledge of copy cataloging error rates can help underscore the importance of quality data in bibliographic utilities and, further, can serve as an indication to libraries whether they need to pay more attention to correcting types in the copy cataloging process.

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Abstract

Book announcements in the health sciences and in fiction were used as samples to observe the presence of bibliographic records and to monitor the rate of addition of institution symbols in the OCLC Online Union Catalog. Preliminary results indicate that, for the vast majority of titles, records already existed in the Online Union Catalog when the title was announced. The rates of addition of holding libraries suggest that libraries used the health science titles in an essentially linear manner, while added locations for the fiction titles follow an exponential curve.

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Abstract

We study the coupling of basic quantitative portfolio selection strategies with a financial news article prediction system, AZFinText. By varying the degrees of portfolio formation time, we found that a hybrid system using both quantitative strategy and a full set of financial news articles performed the best. With a 1-week portfolio formation period, we achieved a 20.79% trading return using a Momentum strategy and a 4.54% return using a Contrarian strategy over a 5-week holding period. We also found that trader overreaction to these events led AZFinText to capitalize on these short-term surges in price.

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Abstract

This brief communication describes the results of a questionnaire examining certain aspects of the Web-based information seeking practices of university students. The results are contrasted with past work showing that queries to Web search engines can be assigned to one of a series of categories: navigational, informational, and transactional. The survey results suggest that a large group of queries, which in the past would have been classified as informational, have become at least partially navigational. We contend that this change has occurred because of the rise of large Web sites holding particular types of information, such as Wikipedia and the Internet Movie Database.

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Abstract

Cataloging oral histories presents many difficulties, especially for catalogers who have primarily worked with published materials and for institutions without funds or staff dedicated to managing oral history collections. Methods for cataloging oral histories can vary widely among institutions. In this paper I examine the issues and considerations involved in providing intellectual access to oral history interviews and offer a possible cataloging method to libraries holding unprocessed oral history materials. The cataloging procedures discussed here have worked well from a workflow standpoint as one of the initial steps to create access to oral histories at Columbus State University, a medium-sized academic library.

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Abstract

Founded in 1800 as a resource for lawmakers, the Library of Congress is one of the greatest libraries in existence, with more than 110 million items in holding, including books in 450 different languages, national documents and art works. Conaway (The Smithsonian) investigates the Library's history from the vantage point of the 13 Librarians of Congress, to illustrate how their experiences and contributions have reflected political and intellectual developments in the U.S. Several Librarians of Congress stayed on for decades, dedicating their lives to the institution. The first, John J. Beckley, appointed in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, was confronted with an enormous challenge when the original collection was engulfed in flames during the British's burning of the Capitol by the British in 1812. Aimsworth Rand Spofford, appointed by Abraham Lincoln, succeeded in securing copyright deposit at the Library, thus ensuring its place as the national repository. Appointed by William McKinley, Herbert Putnam made the cataloging system available to U.S. libraries, while Archibald MacLeish, appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, established the Library as an important cultural center through his acquisitions and literature programs. The current Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, appointed by Ronald Reagan, has made a good portion of the collection available electronically. This is an engrossing and comprehensive read, as much a history of the people who made the Library of Congress what it is today--a library to the world--as it is a rich chronicle of the magnificent institution.

Classification

AN 88320 Allgemeines / Buch- und Bibliothekswesen, Informationswissenschaft / Bibliothekswesen / Bibliothekswesen in einzelnen Ländern und einzelne Bibliotheken / Ausländische Bibliotheken / Amerika, Indianische Welt / Nordamerika / USA / Oststaaten / New-England-Staaten (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

Footnote

Rez. in: ZfBB 50(2003) H.4, S.234-235 (S. Kuttner): "Als 1800 die Library of Congress mit einer bescheidenen Sammlung von 740 Büchern ins Leben gerufen wurde, bestand ihre Aufgabe zunächst allein darin, das Parlament der Vereinigten Staaten mit »books as may be necessary for the use of Congress« zu versorgen, wie es in dem von Präsident John Adams am 24. April 1800 unterzeichneten Gesetz hieß. Während der letzten zwei Jahrhunderte wuchs die Parlamentsbibliothek zu einem der größten Wissensarsenale heran, dessen Bedeutung weit über Nordamerika hinausreicht. Sie verfügt heute über einen Bestand von annähernd 119 Millionen Büchern, Karten, Handschriften, Kunstwerken, Fotografien, Film- und Tonaufnahmen in rund 460 Sprachen. James Conaway erzählt in dem ebenso reich bebilderten wie anschaulich geschriebenen Band die turbulente Historie der amerikanischen Parlamentsbibliothek vor allem anhand der 13 Männer, die vom Präsidenten derVereinigten Staaten zum Librarian of Congress ernannt wurden und die Institution leiteten. Der Autor spannt so den Bogen der ereignisreichen Geschichte der Kongressbibliothek von lohn Beckley, den Thomas Jefferson 1802 an die Spitze der Bibliothek stellte, über Herbert Putnam, der 40 Jahre lang, von 1899 bis 1939, die Belange der Einrichtung nach innen und außen vertrat, bis zu James H. Billington, den Ronald Reagan 1987 ernannte. Den ansonsten streng chronologischen Aufbau der Darstellung lockert der Verfasser mit vielen Illustrationen und kleineren Essays über zentrale Persönlichkeiten der Zeit, großzügige Förderer und Mäzene, besondere Sammlungen sowie einzigartige Erwerbungen und größere Ereignisse auf, die der Entwicklung der Washingtoner Bibliothek ihren Stempel aufdrückten. Dabei spürt er den Erfahrungen und Beiträgen der einzelnen Bibliothekare nach, deren Leben und Leistung er bisweilen detailliert nachzeichnet. Gleichwohl beschränkt Conaway seinen Blick nicht allein auf die Verhältnisse innerhalb der Bibliotheksmauern; er bettet seine Geschichte der Library of Congress in einen breiten Zusammenhang mit der WeIt um sie herum ein und vermittelt so anschaulich,wie die einzelnen Sammlungen in der Zoo-jährigen Geschichte der Parlamentsbibliothek das politische und geistige Leben der USA widerspiegeln.
Jeder der Bibliotheksdirektoren sah sich mit einer besonderen Herausforderung während seiner Amtszeit konfron tiert: So wurde die gesamte Bibliothek durch den Brand des Kapitols während des britischen Angriffs auf Washington im August 1814 ein Raub der Flammen und mit Thomas Jeffersons Privatbibliothek ein Jahr später wieder errichtet. In den 40er Jahren des vergangenen Jahrhunderts musste ein immenser Rückstand von eineinhalb Millionen Bänden katalogisiert werden. Die gigantische Aufgabe,den Kartenkatalog in einen EDV-Katalog umzuwandeln, war in den 80er Jahren zu bewältigen; und die 90er Jahre standen im Zeichen des National Digital Library Program. Gleichwohl prägten auch einzigartige Erwerbungen die Amtszeiten der 13 Bibliotheksdirektoren: Anschaulich erzählt Conaway unter anderem vom Spazierstock Walt Whitmans, dem Nachlass der Gebrüder Wright, den Fotografien aus der Zeit des Bürgerkrieges von Mathew B. Brady, den fünf Stradivariinstrumenten Gertrude Clarke Whitalls oder der Sammlung Leonard Bernsteins. Wer eine wissenschaftlich fundierte, gar kritische Geschichte der Library of Congress erwartet, wird diesen in der Tradition der nordamerikanischen coffee-table books stehenden Band eher enttäuscht zur Seite legen. Der Autor stellt die Einzig- und Großartigkeit der US-Parlamentsbibliothek in den Mittelpunkt seiner Darstellung, deren bisweilen recht ehrfürchtiger Erzählton insofern nicht Wunder nehmen darf, als sie in enger Kooperation mit dem Gegenstand des Buches entstand, der Bibliothek und ihren Bibliothekaren. Sein mit einer kleinen, überschaubaren Auswahlbibliografie endendes Werk richtet sich vor allem an ein interessiertes Laienpublikum, dem die zentrale Bedeutung der de facto zur Nationalbibliothek gewordenen Kongressbibliothek als Schatzkammer nordamerikanischer Kultur und Tradition nahe gebracht werden soll. Die große Resonanz, die Conaways Bildund Textband im Feuilleton einer beachtlichen Anzahl nordamerikanischer Zeitungen und Magazine erzielte, dürfte den Autor in seinem Anliegen mehr als bestätigt haben; und seine Lektüre ist auch für ein außeramerikanisches Fachpublikum, selbst wenn es mit der Geschichte der Library of Congress schon vertraut ist, ebenso unterhaltsam wie informativ."

RVK

AN 88320 Allgemeines / Buch- und Bibliothekswesen, Informationswissenschaft / Bibliothekswesen / Bibliothekswesen in einzelnen Ländern und einzelne Bibliotheken / Ausländische Bibliotheken / Amerika, Indianische Welt / Nordamerika / USA / Oststaaten / New-England-Staaten (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

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Abstract

A number of projects are under way to convert to machine readable form catalogue records for historical cartographic materials. Considers how these computerized map records might be shared in future. Considers 2 distinct approaches to the problem: retrospective cataloguing (recataloguing) or restrospective conversion (retroconversion). retrospective cataloguing emphasizes record quality and therefore seeks the creation of single authoritative records, to which holding statements can be attached. Acceptance of manditory standards would be a precondition of participation. The retroconversion approach, by contrast, stresses the quantity of potential cartographic records available and underlines the importance of providing international access to as many of these as possible. Concludes that, even though most records are substandard, they are better than none at all. The plans of the Consortium of European Research Libraries to create a retrospective database of printed European materials before 1830 can provide guidance on the choice of format and output medium. However, effective eccess to any cartographic equivalent would require the creation of geographical name and subject thesauri