Researchers at Kuwait University have presented a new report regarding hierarchical navigation – the way users browse a taxonomy-based interface in an effort to locate information resources. Their project was to develop a taxonomy for a library and information science department to organize resources and support user browsing in a digital repository. Hispanic Business brought this news to our attention in their article, “Study Data from Kuwait University Update Understanding of Information Technology.”
The results of the project, after analysis, revealed that users often use the topic concept in making navigation choices. However, they sometimes make use of context and resource-type concepts.
I don’t find that all too surprising, considering the advancement of semantic technology. It is teaching us in return to think of meaning in addition to literal searches.
Melody K. Smith
Sponsored by Access Innovations, the world leader in thesaurus, ontology, and taxonomy creation and metadata application.
