The performance of manual indexes and online databases in information retrieval

Abstract

Reports on a comparative study carried out at the University of Sheffield to compare the performance of some manual and online sources in the retrieval of records in the subject of technology. Compares the performance of two related manual indexes with those of three related online databases. Considers all five sources with specific reference to relative recall and precision. While online searches have some considerable advantages over manual, the manual sources still have some qualities which render them valuable. Emphasizes the selection of databases on the basis of a compromise between high recall and high precision, and ultimately between both of these and the cost.