INFORMATION RETRIEVAL: A VIEW FROM THE REFERENCE DESK

Abstract

Information retrieval is a new name for an old problem, and a new name may emphasize new elements to the neglect of the old. Information, whether defined as transferable knowledge, or the records of such knowledge, is expanding so rapidly in content and quantity as to make it in effect a new element. Here we use the term ‘information’ to mean both the documents and their contents; both have dramatic new dimensions. The effort to keep up with the accelerating output of information has required the development of new methods and patterns in retrieval systems. The retrieval of information, in our meaning here, may involve locating a fact or locating a document; in either case there are new approaches and new tools available and necessary.

Citation

FRANCILLON, M. (1959), "INFORMATION RETRIEVAL: A VIEW FROM THE REFERENCE DESK", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 187-198. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026275