Annika Waern, Mark Tierney, Åsa Rudström and Jarmo Laaksolahti
Swedish Institute of Computer Science
Human Computer Interaction and Language Engineering Laboratory
Box 1263, SE-164 29 Kista, SWEDEN
{annika, mark, asa, jarmo}@sics.se
EDITED AND ADAPTIVE INFORMATION SERVICES
The information overflow problem is not simply one of information retrieval and information filtering: the user (reader) might also require aid in summarizing the retrieved information and judging its accuracy and quality. This shows that there is a clear role for the information broker, the human expert that gathers, structures, and evaluates information.
Typically information-brokering services of today utilize a predefined classification schema for information. Readers can individualize the service by selecting from the predefined categories. This approach has many disadvantages. First, the individual readers must select between classes of information that may be orthogonal to their real interests. Second, they are forced to use the broker's classification not only for retrieval, but also for structuring the retrieved information. Third, it becomes impossible for readers to indicate that they are looking for types of information that are not covered by the service. Finally, as the information changes over time, the classification schema may have to change.
In the EdInfo project [1] we have chosen a different approach. Editors, information brokers, readers, and information services may all use different classification schemas, and change them over time. Techniques from collaborative and intelligent filtering as well as information retrieval are used to create tools that allow services, brokers, and readers to communicate and synchronize their classification schemas.
CONCALL
ConCall [2] is an agent-based Internet service that implements the EdInfo ideas. The service supports the collection, filtering, and browsing of conference and workshop calls. The user can: subscribe to calls by setting up an individual filter (maintained by semi-automatic means), search for calls and set up reminders for deadlines. Editors can review user profiles and add meta-data to calls. Both filters and meta-data annotations are based on a completely open categorization of conference calls, through so-called buzzwords. Examples of buzzwords include traditional keywords ("intelligent user interfaces", "editor", etc.) but also any other kind of label that might be useful, such as "exotic", "peripheral", "high-status", or "Hawaii".
The individual filter is initially provided by the user as a user profile that can be inspected and changed at any time. During normal use of the system (reading, saving or deleting calls, creating reminders, etc), user behavior is monitored and a candidate user profile is created. A scale suggests how well the user's own profile matches his/her behavior as compared to the candidate profile. If and when the mismatch goes over a certain threshold, the system will suggest that the profile be changed, possibly but not necessarily replacing it with the candidate profile.
The ConCall service is currently under experimental evaluation. This evaluation focuses on the communicative aspect of filters and annotations; for example, does the use of buzzwords increase flexibility in usage and are the tools for communication good enough to achieve some level of stability?
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK
Edited and adaptive information services provide added value for the individual user as well as for the information broker, who obtains better means to organize information to suit the needs of the users (readers).
The buzzword functionality used within ConCall requires further study. It is possible to envision several ways to enhance it. The key issue here is not to find the most all-encompassing solution, but to find a solution that strikes a balance between expressiveness and simplicity, allowing editors and users to communicate efficiently.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
EdInfo and ConCall are funded by the Swedish research institute for information technology (SITI AB) and the Swedish board for technical development (NUTEK).
REFERENCES