ON BROWSING: THE USE OF SEARCH THEORY IN THE SEARCH FOR INFORMATION

Abstract : Search theory, originally developed for antisubmarine search, is applied to the scanning of library shelves for books of interest, or of a computerized abstract catalogue for items of immediate application. Procedures for optimizing the information to be found are discussed, as well as methods whereby the operational parameters can be measured. The organization and reorganization of a library, or other informational system, so as to improve its response to a searcher, are treated and curves are provided which indicate the degree and nature of the reorganization which can optimize this improvement.