Design for change: knowledge-based system support for information centers

The applicability of a knowledge-based system for resource management in the context of information centers (ICs) is discussed. The Information Center Expert (ICE) system has been developed to support the consultation process of IC personnel. The system determines the (software) resource requirements of the end users and makes appropriate recommendations. ICE further aids the management of IC software resources by keeping track of user consultations and the recommendations made. Issues of knowledge requirements, acquisition and representation and implementation of ICE are discussed. An evaluation of ICEs which focused on maintainability and transportability was conducted at two corporate locations and a university setting. Based on the informal feedback, the implications of this approach for future research are discussed