A truly omniscient searcher would always know where to look and how to search. The rest of us can benefit from help when searching.

Objective

The objective of this research is to help searchers convert queries in their own language into the terms used in unfamiliar indexes and classifications (metadata).

A dictionary ("entry vocabulary module") leads from words or phrases familiar to the searcher to the associated terms in the index or classification to be searched. "Intelligent Agent" refers to software designed to make situational decisions.

We are examining the feasibility of using intelligent agent software to reduce the amount of human expertise required when developing these dictionaries (EVMs).

Diagrams

 Internal Architecture
 External Architecture

Papers & Reports

 Entry Vocabulary Modules and Agents Technical report, 1998.
 Online Help provides an explanation

Prototype

A preliminary version is available. See help for a detailed explanation