IR Interface

Strategic Help in User Interfaces for Information Retrieval.
by: Brajnik, Giorgio ; Mizzaro, Stefano ; Tasso, Carlo ; Venuti, Fabio

Source:
Brajnik, G., et. al. (2002). Strategic Help in User Interfaces for Information Retrieval. Journal of the American Society for Information Science & Technology, 53(5), Retrieved July 23, 2009 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=6645212&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Abstract
The article is about the use of strategic help by collaborative coaching in a knowledge based system named FIRE. Strategic help aims to guide the users find relative documents about their query. The study shows that, with the help of strategic help, the users was able to find documents related to their query. Strategic help also made their searching faster and it gave the users different searching method.

What I have Learned?
1. In an information retrieval system the interface should help the user solve the problem at hand.
2. I have learned that it is better if the interface of an information retrieval system could give the user some form of advice on how to maximize their search.
3. i have learned that the interface of an information retrieval system should be able to give the users different ways to search the information database.

Implication:
it is true that searching an information retrieval system(IRS) could be very difficult, specially if the user is not familiar with it. It is also frustrating for the user, if after sometime, he/she will not be able to retrieve the information he/she is looking for. IN my work, I have encountered several students who, despite their use of the library system, was not able to find the information they need. If this kind of system can be implemented in the library this could help the researchers retrieve the information they need. This type of system could make the researcher go to the library instead of consulting google for theie information need.

Library + Web 2.0 = Library 2.0

Reading Assignment 3

Library .0 Theory: Web 2.0 and its implicatrions for libraries
Jack M. Maness

Source:
Maness, Jack M. (2006). Library .0 Theory: Web 2.0 and its implicatrions for libraries. Webology, 3(2), Retrieved July 2009, from http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html


Abstract

Library 2.0 is the integration of web 2.0 technologies in the web-based services and collections of the library. There are four essential elements that characterizes Library 2.0, these are user-centerednes, gives multi-media experience, socially rich and communally innovative. In Library 2.0, Libraries can take advantage of web 2.0 technology like synchronous messaging, streaming media, blogs and wikis, social networks, tagging, rss feeds and mashups.

What I have learned?
1. The theory of Library 2.0 is user-centered and user-driven.
2. Library 2.0 can be used to enhance the web-based services of the library.
3. Using Web 2.0 technology in the web-based library services, libraries can easily reach out to its clientele.

Implication:
The library is a venue for the community to gather and exchange thoughts, ideas and other information. In the advent of the Web 2.0 and its application to the libraries this purpose of the library, to serve as a venue for the community, is again raised another level. This time the library will not only cater to those who went to the library. The library will be able to serve all walks of life wherever and whenever. In the emergence of Library 2.0, libraries will open its doors to its users. As the main characteristic of Librarry 2.0 is that it is user-centered and user-driven.

Reading Assignment 2

Etiquette online: from nice to necessary
by: Preece, Jenny

Source:
Preece, Jenny (2004). Etiquette online: from nice to necessary. Communications of the ACM, 47(4), Retrieved July 10, 2009, from ACM Digital Library. http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=975817.975845&coll=ACM&dl=ACM&CFID=44995121&CFTOKEN=58596251

Abstract

Internet users often encounter offensive online behavior. Some of these behaviors, as enumerted by an online survey, are sending spam, forwarding bogus virus warning, sending dumb jokes, typing in all caps or all lower letter case, lack of basic grammar and punctuation, including my email address in the CC: or TO: with a list of other email addresses, not editing email, including no hello and thank you, and poor use of formatting style. There are measures that can be done to address etiqutte problem, two of the most common are setting rules (often called Netiquette) and moderating discussion. Other measures that can be done are the use of role models, mentors, citizen regulation. There are also tools that can be use in addressing etiquette some of which are: filters, community tools, search and visualization tools and rating and reward system.

Whay I have Learned?

1. I have learned that there are measures that can be done to address online etiquette.

2. I have learned that unwanted or offensive online etiquette comes in different way.

3. I have learned that it is necessary for us to learn the proper etiquette in communicating because what is normal for us can be offensive to others.

Application / Implication

Netiquette or online etiquette should be properly obseve by all individual using the internet. We must consider that we are communicating with other nationality and what may be normal for us is rather offensive for them. In joining online communities we must first obseve how members of that community behave so that we can be familiar with etiquette they observed. Being ethical online is not only nice it also gives us respect and harmony.

Visualized Information Retrieval

Article title: Visualize the Perfect Search
by Carol Tenopir

Source:
Tenopir, Carol (2009). Visualize the perfect search. Library Journal, 134, Retrieved July 3, 2009, from ProQuest. http://proquest.umi.compqdweb?did=1666993261&Fmt=3&clientId=51710& RQT=309&VName=PQD

Abstract:

Serials Solutions, during this years' American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, introduced Summon. Summon is a searching service that retrieves materials from the entire library collection. Like Goolge, which is often used by students to search for information, it uses a simple search interface, a search box, and a powerful algorithm in retrieving information. Visualization allows the user to discover according to the lifetime work of Ben Shneiderman. In visualization approaches the interface choices uses the content of the database as a guide.

What I have learned?

1. After reading this article I learn that there is other way of retrieving information, in this article it is visualization, aside from using the one that we are familiar like the interface of Google.
2. I also learn that studies and researches are being done to make the retrieval of infornation from the library as easy as searching Google. One of the product of these studies is the Summon from Serials Solutions.
3. I have also learn that ease of use is one of the primary considearation of the users of information retrieval system. The other consideration are accuracy in retrieved information.


Application:

Visualization can be use in the library to further enhanced the retrieval of information. Using this approach we can be able to retrive a material even if the researcher only remembers the size and lenght of the book. Visualization can be integrated in the information retrieval system the library uses.