On Dec 12, 2007, at 6:16 PM, Ranti Junus wrote:
> Seriously, Eric's post below gave some nice ideas and the term
> "context management" popped in my head for some reason.
The phrase "context management" brought a smile to my face, and while
I did not use that phrase in a previous essay, and I think, with
Ranti's permission, I will use it in the future. In a presentation
for the Charleston Conference I wrote about the future of search and
used the word "context" a couple of times:
The future of search lies in: 1) the enhancement of the discovery
process, and 2) providing services against collections beyond
simple identify.
Putting the users' needs and characteristics at the center of the
query process will greatly enhance the discovery process. By
knowing more about the searcher -- placing the query in context
with the searcher -- it will be possible to improve find
significantly. For example, if you know the searcher is a
freshman, then it is safe to assume their experience or knowledge
is less than a senior's and therefore a different set of
resources may be appropriate for their needs. Search can take
experience into account and present results accordingly. Suppose
the searcher is an expert in anthropology but are searching for
information on micro-economics. Given this it is unlikely the
searcher will want advanced micro-economic data, at least not
right away. Present the results accordingly. Assume the searcher
has a history of doing many micro-economic searches. Either they
are not finding what they desire or they are looking for more
specific information. Return search results accordingly. Put
another way, ask yourself questions about the searcher and modify
the results. Who are they? What is their level of skill or
education? Are they new to the subject or an expert? Who are
their peers and what are they using? Use those resources as a
guide. Do they want help? To what degree to they desire privacy?
By knowing the answers to these sorts of questions search results
can be tailored to meet individual needs; search can be put into
the user's context.
http://www.library.nd.edu/daiad/morgan/musings/future-of-search/
"Context management". I like that! ranti.junus++
--
Eric Lease Morgan
University Libraries of Notre Dame
Received on Thu Dec 13 2007 - 10:44:02 EST