INDEXER PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND OPERATIONS OF A DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Abstract : Two graduate students in chemistry were trained in indexing of technical documents through an established training program. Certain modifications were made which tended to improve the training as evidenced by improved performance. A study of intra- and interindexer consistency was made by subjecting a group of technical documents to independent indexing by various individuals and by two of the same individuals one year later. The concept of essential index terms was introduced. Statistical analysis showed that intra- and interindexer correlation for experienced indexers of essential terms is significant with a probability (p) > 0.999. An evaluation of the indexer trainees showed that essential terms was a better performance criterion than total terms and that high interindexer consistency was achieved. Search requests declined from the preceding year, especially from the AFML. Possible reasons for a decline are presented. A Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Program with Chemical Abstracts was initiated. The development of a vocabulary and thesaurus for information science related documents has started. A free indexing technique is being used.