Abstract: The advent of machine intelligence and the social and ethical issues it raises are examined. The concept of the silicon mind is discussed and landmarks in artificial intelligence (AI) are reviewed. The problem of knowledge representation is considered. The use of artificial intelligence by the military is described. The possible effects of AI on society are also discussed. >

Abstract: In this thesis we adopt an artificial intelligence approach in investigating the online information retrieval activity and in studying the design of online information retrieval systems. Our initial approach was to investigate the interactions between the searcher and the retrieval system, and the searcher and the reference librarian. Our objective was to develop cognitive models of these processes that will provide a sound basis for incorporating search assistance into an online system. This research consisted of three stages: an empirical investigation stage, a system building stage, and a system testing stage. During the empirical investigation stage, we conducted two cognitive psychology based empirical studies observing the searcher/librarian and the searcher/system interactions. We have derived some important findings from these studies. Firstly, we have identified a taxonomy of misconceptions users have about the subject area, the system and the classification scheme. Secondly, we have developed five online search strategies. Thirdly, we have developed an empirically based process model for assisting searchers in refining their queries. At the system building stage, a blackboard architecture was adopted for our prototype system where the proposed capabilities (alleviating searcher's misconceptions, selecting appropriate search strategies, and refining searchers' queries) were incorporated. This system was created using Lisp and Flavors. After the prototype system development effort, a system testing stage followed. Our system was tested against an existing online catalog in a laboratory experiment. The test results showed that our system out-performed the existing online catalog in search recall and satisfaction level. Our research suggests a knowledge-based information retrieval system design. Armed with the appropriate search heuristics, the knowledge about the subject area and the classification scheme, and the query refinement mechanisms, we believe, information retrieval systems can become more responsive and intelligent, capable of providing interactive support of a variety of users.

Abstract: This paper explores several points regarding the development of the field of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on library science. The discussion is motivated by the nature of future library collections and services that will made available (in part) through artificial intelligence applications and by the basic need for intelligent analysis of the vast volumes of data and information that will be available through continuing developments in storage and dimensions and objects of thought, and several example of current research areas concerned with these more specific problems are described. A general field-wide dialectic between research oriented towards these specific problems and research oriented the integration of these specific capabilities into broader systems is described and related to the general question of improving the capabilities of interactive intelligent systems. These issues are discussed in the context of several definitions of intelligence and artificial intelligence and are illustrated in the example of a specific system.

Abstract: Advanced automation is required to reduce costly human operations support requirements for complex space-based and ground control systems. Existing knowledge based technologies have been used successfully to automate individual operations tasks. Considerably less progress has been made in integrating and coordinating multiple operations applications for unified intelligent support systems. To fill this gap, SOCIAL, a tool set for developing Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI) systems is being constructed. SOCIAL consists of three primary language based components defining: models of interprocess communication across heterogeneous platforms; models for interprocess coordination, concurrency control, and fault management; and for accessing heterogeneous information resources. DAI applications subsystems, either new or existing, will access these distributed services non-intrusively, via high-level message-based protocols. SOCIAL will reduce the complexity of distributed communications, control, and integration, enabling developers to concentrate on the design and functionality of the target DAI system itself.

Abstract: Foreword by Caroline H. Backlund Acknowledgments Introduction Basic Information Formats Electronic Data and the Internet Other Information Formats and Their Publishers' Web Sites Types of Web Sites and How to Find Them Web Sites of Museums Web Sites of Academic Institutions, Corporate Sponsors, and Individuals Cultural, Civic, and Professional Organizations National Trusts and Foundations Web Presence of Libraries: Overviews, Search Strategies, and Services Web Sites of Serials and Indexes to Art and Literature Buying and Selling Art How to Use and Supplement Web Information Basic Research Methodology: Finding and Supplementing Web Data Art Historical Styles and Periods: Ancient World to Modern Era Documenting the Lives of Artists and Art Collectors Studying Works of Art Resources for Architecture, Decorative Arts, Fashion, Graphic Arts, Photography, and Sculpture North Amrican (U.S.), Canadian, and Native American Studies Non-European Cultures Additional Art Information Appendixes Index