This thesis presents an illustrative prototype of Information Retrieval System (IRS) with microcomputer, especially, bibliographic reference retrieval system with 64K microcomputer Cromemco using 32K structured Basic in Cromemco.
Before this system has been developed, the past history and present states of art of IRS were arranged and user's information needs were surveyed through user interviews.
Efficiency of IRS is highly dependent upon hardware capacity. Therefore, IRS with microcomputer is poor in retrieval efficiency, especially, in response time. But, deliberate and careful design would overcome some hardware dependency. This paper illustrates several ways to improve system efficiency in microcomputer.
For example, using recursive question and display routine, user would reduce response time intervals and enter into required information field more quickly and correctly. Menu-driven user interface, input verification and error message, semi-thesaurus file creation, especially, ranked output in Boolean request system are attempted to improve the user friendliness and retrieval efficiency.
