Expert Systems In Reference Services
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Expert Systems in Reference Services
This book, first published in 1989, introduces readers to expert systems applications in many areas of library and information science, and presents design and implementation issues encountered by librarians who have developed early systems to address the library reference function. Systems for ready reference, online database access, and enhancement of subject searching in online catalogues are all explored. Theoretical issues related to expert systems are balanced with descriptions of actual systems currently operating or under development. Reference librarians interested in computing and automation, library managers and administrators, as well as teachers and students in library schools, will be fascinated by this account of how expert systems are helping to make the expertise of the reference librarian available in a more consistent and timely fashion and reduce the burden of repetitive, predictable questions for the professional.
Knowledge-based Systems for General Reference Work
By focusing on knowledge-based systems technology, the primary purpose and goal of this book is to improve the quality of reference service rendered in libraries. Within reference service, this book examines question-answering, a complex and difficult task. For those interested in the theoretical aspects of reference work, they have to look no further than the first chapter. In addition, the book features theoretical chapters on modelling the reference transaction, a chapter on the logic of ready reference work, and a chapter on the appropriate criteria to apply in selecting an expert system shell. Several practical chapters focus on what KBS work has already been done in the field and evaluate nearly fifty expert system development shells, so that readers can select the most appropriate shell for their domain. The subtitle of the book is applications, problems, and progress in regard to expert systems in reference work. Applications are covered most clearly in chapter 8 which reviews the more than extant prototypes. Chapter 3 covers what is feasible, chapter 4 models the reference transaction, and chapter 7 covers interface issues so that future applications can be more successful. Problems are covered throughout the book, starting with chapter 1 which discusses the traditional emphasis on reference sources. It argues that the field needs to shift toward procedural knowledge related to work in reference departments. The chapter on expert system feasibility reveals that there are alternative ways of conceptualizing the intellectual work of an expert, and, of course, chapter 9 directly points out limitations in extant systems. Encouraging words occur in chapter 1 about the shift to a balanced or complete paradigm for doing reference work. Similarly, the chapter on modelling is optimistic, in that reference work can be modelled and systems implemented which act like human experts. The final chapter tries to avoid the technological optimism inherent in many books on expert systems by identifying the near-term factors which will influence the development of expert systems. Key Features * Historical background presenting the field's paradigmatic thinking * Decision trees for basic formats of reference material * Flowchart modelling the reference transaction * Reviews of more than fifty extant KBS in general reference environments * Evaluative criteria on more than forty expert system shells
Reference Service Expertise
This important volume presents a wealth of practical ideas for improving the art of reference librarianship. Reference Service Expertise provides pragmatic ways for librarians to aid patrons, consider reference collections and how they are employed, and assess various technologies in reference work. Dedicated to the idea that reference service is a benevolent desire to help the sometimes puzzled library user, this unique book describes numerous and varied means to that end and encourages reference librarians to become familiar with the multiple resources available in modern libraries. Reference Service Expertise pinpoints specific areas in which librarians can increase their knowledge in order to become more efficient. These strategies include using a systems approach in reference instruction for library professionals; guidelines for academic librarians to use for evaluating facilities, services, and staff as to how effectively they welcome users and validate their information needs; using team teaching to instruct users about library services; developing legal reference skills to support the constitutional right-to-know in a self-governing society; and helping non-science librarians to become science literate by reading popular science literature, watching science television programs, visiting science museums, and generally increasing their awareness of the problem of science illiteracy among the general population. A wide variety of resources available in today's reference libraries are discussed to help librarians become better informed about the options available to their patrons, including: ERIC and NTIS and the information gap between the two databases resources on the evolving market economy or investments in the Commonwealth of Independent States fee-based services PsycLIT (CD-ROM), PsycINFO (online), and the difference in retrieval patterns using the same vocabulary of terms interactive media centers--advantages and shortcomings Reference librarians in all types of libraries will benefit from chapters that describe specific methods for improving their own personal effectiveness as well as chapters that evaluate specific services and reference tools available for reference library users.