Book Description

By focusing on knowledge-based systems technology, the primary purpose and goal of this book is to improve the quality of reference service rendered in libraries. Within reference service, this book examines question-answering, a complex and difficult task. For those interested in the theoretical aspects of reference work, they have to look no further than the first chapter. In addition, the book features theoretical chapters on modelling the reference transaction, a chapter on the logic of ready reference work, and a chapter on the appropriate criteria to apply in selecting an expert system shell. Several practical chapters focus on what KBS work has already been done in the field and evaluate nearly fifty expert system development shells, so that readers can select the most appropriate shell for their domain. The subtitle of the book is applications, problems, and progress in regard to expert systems in reference work. Applications are covered most clearly in chapter 8 which reviews the more than extant prototypes. Chapter 3 covers what is feasible, chapter 4 models the reference transaction, and chapter 7 covers interface issues so that future applications can be more successful. Problems are covered throughout the book, starting with chapter 1 which discusses the traditional emphasis on reference sources. It argues that the field needs to shift toward procedural knowledge related to work in reference departments. The chapter on expert system feasibility reveals that there are alternative ways of conceptualizing the intellectual work of an expert, and, of course, chapter 9 directly points out limitations in extant systems. Encouraging words occur in chapter 1 about the shift to a balanced or complete paradigm for doing reference work. Similarly, the chapter on modelling is optimistic, in that reference work can be modelled and systems implemented which act like human experts. The final chapter tries to avoid the technological optimism inherent in many books on expert systems by identifying the near-term factors which will influence the development of expert systems. Key Features * Historical background presenting the field's paradigmatic thinking * Decision trees for basic formats of reference material * Flowchart modelling the reference transaction * Reviews of more than fifty extant KBS in general reference environments * Evaluative criteria on more than forty expert system shells