Selective dissemination of new scientific information with the aid of electronic processing equipment

Abstract

AbstractImprovement of scientific communication is sought through machine assisted dissemination of new information. A service system is described in which a new document is characterized by a vocabulary or pattern of keywords. This pattern is then compared with the vocabularies or profiles characterizing each of the participants of the service. If a given degree of similarity exists between the two, the affected participants are notified by a card carrying an abstract. The recipient signifies whether the information is in fact relevant or not by returning or not returning a stub provided with the card. His affirmative response, which may include his request for a copy of the document, is reflected on his profile by incorporating the pattern of the accepted item. Profiles are kept current by discarding patterns after they have reached a certain age. The feedback includes notification of authors as to the reception of their work. The service also facilitates participants' referral of information to others and generally endeavors to promote interchange of information by personal contact.