Guides for hypertext: an overview

摘要

As biomedical hypertexts have grown in popularity and size, interest in navigational aids has led to the widespread use of the terms ‘guides’ and ‘agents’ as descriptors for a wide range of computer programs designed to ensure the efficient and selective retrieval of information. At one extreme, these terms are used to denote simple paths through a body of information. At another extreme, the terms are used to emphasize a profound shift in emphasis from retrieval programs that execute on the basis of user commands to programs that guide through characterization of user needs. This review proposes a simple taxonomy for hypertext-based information retrieval ‘guides’ and presents a broad overview of research relevant to this topic.