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Can Document-Genre Metadata Improve Information Access to Large Digital Collections (2003)
| Citations: | 15 - 4 self |
BibTeX
@MISC{Crowston03candocument-genre,
author = {Kevin Crowston and Barbara H. Kwasnik},
title = {Can Document-Genre Metadata Improve Information Access to Large Digital Collections},
year = {2003}
}
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Abstract
We discuss the issues of resolving the information-retrieval problem in large digital collections through the identification and use of document genres. Explicit identification of genre seems particularly important for such collections because any search usually retrieves documents with a diversity of genres that are undifferentiated by obvious clues as to their identity. As well, because most genres are characterized by both form and purpose, identifying the genre of a document provides information as to the documents purpose and its fit to the users situation, which can be otherwise difficult to assess. We begin by outlining the possible role of genre identification in the information-retrieval process. Our assumption is that genre identification would enhance searching, first because we know that topic alone is not enough to define an information problem and second because search results containing genre information would be more easily understandable. Next, we discuss how information professionals have traditionally tackled the issues of representing genre in settings where topical representation is the norm. Finally, we address the issues of studying the efficacy of identifying genre in large digital collections. Because genre is often an implicit notion, studying it in a systematic way presents many problems. We outline a research protocol that would provide guidance for identifying Web document genres, for observing how genre is used in searching and evaluating search results, and finally for representing and visualizing genres.
Keyphrases
large digital collection document-genre metadata improve information access search result genre identification information problem explicit identification topical representation possible role research protocol web document genre implicit notion user situation information-retrieval problem obvious clue document genre document purpose genre information systematic way present many problem information-retrieval process information professional
