Knowledge-Based Systems for General Reference Work: Applications, Problems, and Progress - John V. Richardson, Jr. - Hardcover

Knowledge-based systems (KBS) offer opportunities for improving the quality of library services. Since KBS provide the point of contact between user, librarian, and the resources, they are important to the efficiency of any library. Knowledge Based Systems for General Reference Work will assist readers in developing skills to communicate effectively about KBS and to write a prototype KBS. Topics and issues covered include the history of teaching reference work, modeling of reference transactions, logic for reference work, evaluative criteria, and the role of microcomputers in knowledge-based systems. Key Features * Historical background presenting the field's paradigmatic thinking * Decision trees for basic formats of reference material * Flowchart modeling the reference transaction * Reviews of more than 50 extant KBS in general reference environments * Evaluation criteria on more than 40 expert system shells Benefits * Provides theoretical underpinning for all subsequent development work * Provides sound conceptual basis on which to implement systems and save valuable development time * Provides information on current status of the field, so that developers will not have to re-invent the wheel * Saves time for the reader who wants to pick up an expert system shellRichardson, John V. is the author of 'Knowledge-Based Systems for General Reference Work: Applications, Problems, and Progress - John V. Richardson, Jr. - Hardcover' with ISBN 9780125884600 and ISBN 0125884605.