Book Description

Some of the 12 conference papers presented in this proceedings focus on the present and potential capabilities of artificial intelligence and expert systems as they relate to a wide range of library applications, including descriptive cataloging, technical services, collection development, subject indexing, reference services, database searching, and document delivery. Other papers deal with the underlying design issues of knowledge representation and natural language processing. The papers are; (1) "Artificial Intelligence: What Will They Think of Next?" (Douglas P. Metzler); (2) "Technical Services Processes as Models for Assessing Expert System Suitability and Benefits" (Charles Fenly); (3) "Automated Cataloging: Implications for Libraries and Patrons" (Stuart Weibel); (4)"Interactive Knowledge-Based Systems for Improved Subject Analysis and Retrieval" (Susanne M. Humphrey); (5) "Reference Expert Systems: Foundations in Reference Theory" (James R. Parrott); (6) "Expert Systems at the National Agricultural Library: Past, Present, and Future" (Samuel T. Waters); (7) "User Models for Information Systems: Prospects and Problems" (Christine L. Borgman and Yolanda I. Plute); (8) "Natural Language Processing: Current Status for Libraries" (Amy Warner); (9) "Knowledge Representation in Artificial Intelligence" (Irene L. Travis); (10) "Intelligent Interfaces to Online Databases" (Brian C. Vickery); (11) "Expert Systems in Document Delivery: The Feasibility of Learning Capabilities" (Jaime Pontigo, Ezequiel Tovar-Reyes, Guillermo Rodriquez, and Sergio Ortiz-Gama); and (12) "Walking Your Talk: Why Information Managers Are Not High Tech" (W. David Penniman). An index and brief author biographies conclude the volume; chapters include references. (KRN)