A Simple Blueprint for Automatic Boolean Query Processing

Abstract The operations of conventional information retrieval systems are based on the use of Boolean query formulations designed to reflect user needs. Unfortunately, many retrieval system users are not able to construct useful Boolean expressions, and trained search intermediaries must normally help in the search formulation process. In this article, a new Boolean retrieval environment is outlined in which the queries are automatically constructed from original natural language formulations provided by the users. A soft Boolean logic is introduced that relaxes the interpretation of the Boolean operators and provides much enhanced retrieval effectiveness. All the proposed processing modifications are compatible with conventional inverted file technologies, and with normal operational retrieval methodologies.

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