On Jan 3, 2008, at 1:29 PM, Rob Styles wrote:
> That is to say, relevance is about matching the result to the context
> of the user. What Google excels at it is guessing that context from
> what you've typed, how much you've typed, how specific it is and
> much, much more.
>
> Surely a next-generation catalogue has to do a better job of that?
These are my thoughts exactly, and I don't think relevancy is an
advertising gimmick. I've elaborated upon the idea of context in a
presentation called "Catalog Collectivism: XC and the Future of
Library Search". Here's a snippet:
The future of search lies in: 1) the enhancement of the
discovery process and 2) providing services against
collection 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/
--
Eric Lease Morgan
University Libraries of Notre Dame
(574) 631-8604
Received on Thu Jan 03 2008 - 13:44:09 EST