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Computerized Information Retrieval for Soil and Crop Scientists 1
Author(s) -
Thiel T. J.,
Dowdy R. H.,
Larson W. E.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1971.00021962006300020051x
Subject(s) - computer science , information retrieval , index (typography) , human–computer information retrieval , information system , data science , world wide web , search engine , engineering , electrical engineering
Improved methods of information retrieval and handling are urgently needed, especially by researchers and others who use published literature. Computerized information systems offer scientists great help in maintaining personal reference files. A number of computerized retrieval systems are available. However, this report is limited to experiences with one system, which has been successfully employed to: (1) create, maintain and use a bibliographic file for soil scientists; (2) prepare an author‐keyword index of about 600 soil and water references prepared by ARS staff; (3) answer general requests for information by writing search questions; and (4) list manuscripts by scientists, locations and journals. Computerized information retrieval systems are not difficult to establish or use; obtaining a data base is the most costly phase of the system. Any information retrieval system should be viewed as an adjunct to scientific literature study, not as the sole source of information.