Major Problems in Retrieval Systems

For better retrieval, classification and indexing are the key factors. To better serve users there should be some criteria. The most popular criteria known are recall and precision. But these two are not totally accepted and respected in application. Uncertainty and giving more respect to information technology at the expense of information system management are the main problems. Although information retrieval includes many elements such as modality, document classification and categorization, system architecture, user interfaces, data visualization, filtering, language, and behavioral sciences, communication in a good environment covers all of them. For better communication, a classifier/ indexer must avoid taking false direction, be frank and careful not to use ambiguous terms, and must provide sufficient cross-references in their indexing. Good questioning and saying no when it should be said is regarded as a kind of filtration of the environment from noises. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]