Interactive Information Retrieval in Digital Environments

Citation

du Preez, M. (2009), "Interactive Information Retrieval in Digital Environments", The Electronic Library, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 355-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910947746

The internet has opened new avenues for the development of digital information systems and allows people to use a variety of electronic information retrieval systems. The internet has also brought about changes to existing information retrieval systems, such as library catalogues and full‐text databases. The users of these systems invariably find using them challenging since each system has its own interface, focuses on a different collection and might not necessarily present them with documents that match their personal needs. These and many other aspects make information retrieval a rather complex and difficult task.

The objective of Xie's (2008) new book Interactive Information Retrieval in Digital Environments is to develop a theoretical framework for information retrieval (IR) interaction. The book also aims at discussing the implications of such a framework in the design and evaluation of information retrieval systems in the digital age. A comprehensive literature review on information retrieval theory and practice provides the foundation for new research on interactive information retrieval and can also serve as part of the curriculum for courses related to information retrieval and IR system design. Designers of IR systems and other professionals will find some guidance on the design and evaluation of new interactive IR systems for the general public as well as for specific user groups from these discussions.

The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides an overview and foundation for the book. The preface places the book in context and explains why it is needed. Chapter 1 is a discussion on the divide between system‐oriented approaches. This chapter also presents a variety of user‐oriented approaches that are essential for understanding interactive information retrieval.

Chapters II to V form the second section. These chapters offer an overview of various information retrieval environments and a comprehensive review of empirical studies of interactive information retrieval in these environments. The third section (Chapters VII to IX) highlights the development of the interactive information retrieval framework while the fourth section discusses the implications of the framework for design and evaluation in interactive information retrieval systems.

Interactive Information Retrieval in Digital Environments builds on the Xie's award‐winning dissertation titled “Planned and situated aspects in interactive IR: patterns of user interactive intentions and information seeking strategies”. The book is therefore the product of her research in library and information science and reflects contributions from many researchers in the field.

The intended audience for Interactive Information Retrieval in Digital Environments is researchers, designers, teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, and professionals interested in interactive information retrieval, IR system design, and IR system evaluation in digital environments. In fact, it is essential for every professional interested in interactive information retrieval. The book is an easy read and includes references at the end of each chapter. It also includes a small but useful index.