Context-Dependent Information Filtering

People tend to use different terms to describe a similar concept. Due to the unique backgrounds, training and experiences of different people, it is impractical to force them to use the same set of terms for information retrieval. This paper presents an approach to allow different user groups to access and view information from heterogenous systems by using their own preferred vocabularies. In the meantime, the retrieval concept depends on the task context. A task ontology is used to reflect users' common perception of problem solving processes. The discovered concepts then uniquely reflects the contextual need of distinct user groups.

Lee, Maria R. ISRDP in Digital Libraries (1997). Articles>Information Design