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On the Construction of Selection Systems
Michael K. Buckland
Christian Plaunt
School of Library and Information Studies
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-4600
LP01
In: Library Hi Tech, 12:4:15--28, 1994
Abstract:
An examination of the structure and components of information storage and
retrieval systems and information filtering systems. Analysis of the tasks
performed in such selection systems leads to the identification of thirteen
components. Of these components, eight are necessarily present in all such
systems, mechanized or not; the others may, but need not be, present. We
argue that all selection systems can be represented in terms of combinations
of these components. The components are of only two types: representations of
data objects and functions that operate on them. Further, the functional
components, or rules, reduce to two basic types: (i)
Transformation, making or modifying the members of a set of representations
and (ii) Sorting or partitioning. The representational
transformations may be in the form of copies, excerpts, descriptions,
abstractions, or mere identifying references. By partitioning, we mean
dividing a set of objects by using matching, sorting, ranking, selecting, and
other logically equivalent operations. The typical multiplicity of knowledge
sources and of system vocabularies are noted. Some of the implications for
the study, use and design of information storage and retrieval systems are
discussed.
Next: 1 Introduction