Interactive Information Retrieval: Context and Basic Notions

This paper provides an introduction to interactive information retrieval--the study of human interaction with information retrieval systems. Interactive information retrieval may be contrasted with the "system-centered" view of information retrieval in which changes to information retrieval system variables are manipulated in isolation from users in laboratory situations. The paper elucidates current models of interactive information retrieval, namely, the episodic model, the stratified model, the interactive feedback and search process model, and the global model of polyrepresentation. Future directions for research in the field are discussed.