IL10920 - INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

Module Identifier

IL10920

Module Title

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

Academic Year

2005/2006

Co-ordinator

Mr Michael A Lowe

Semester

Semester 2

Other staff

Mr Alan Wheatley, Mr Timothy C Gillison

Course delivery

Lecture

11 x 1 hour lectures

Seminars / Tutorials

3 x 2 hours seminars

Practical

7 x 2hrs sessions

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Exam	2 Hours Two hour written examination.	40%
Semester Assessment	Assignment: 1 written assignment.	60%

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module a student should be able to:

Explain the reasons for information retrieval and retrieval systems, and identify the specific needs they might meet.

Explain in basic terms the implications for retrieving information of: the user'r needs, and knowledge about what is sought, the amount of information given in systems about documents and information within them, the style and structure of records, and the design of electronic and printed interfaces.

Explain reasons for the arrangements found in collections of documents; explain the role of library catalogues; make effective use of these systems.

Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the database in retrieving information, and the basic principles of databases. Design, construct and use a simple database for given document retrieval objectives.

Explain the problem of subject searching, and the alternative fundamental approaches taken by retrieval systems. Demonstrate effective subject searching in a variety of printed and electronic systems.

Develop and carry out effective search strategies in a variety of widely used information retrieval systems.

Brief description

The module introduces the principles and practical skills needed to retrieve information via everyday catalogues, indexes, databases, search engines etc. Topics include aspects of database design and construction, subject searching, free-text searching, searching printed indexes, document descriptions, and advanced searching.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Consultation
Lancaster, F.W. (1998) Indexing and abstracting in theory and practice. London: Library Association
Rowley, J.E. & Farrow, J (2000) Organizing knowledge: an introduction to managing access to information. 3rd. Alderstot : Gower
Hartley, R. J. et al. (1990) On-line searching: princlples and practice. London: Bowker-Saur

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4