STATUS with IQ—escaping from the Boolean straitjacket

STATUS with IQ is a free text retrieval system which invites the user to enter a query either by specifying search terms which reflect concepts relative to the user's information need or by describing that need in natural language. IQ responds by producing an objectively ranked list of those documents which will be most helpful to the inquirer, there being no requirement that any particular search term be present unless this has been made a precondition. In addition, it provides the user with detailed statistical information showing the extent to which each retrieved document contains the various search terms. These details provide valuable additional guidance regarding the information content of the retrieved documents.