Thesaurus-assisted search term selection and query expansion: a review of user-centred studies

Provides a review of the literature related to the application of domain-specific thesauri in the search and retrieval process. Focusing on studies that adopt a user-centered approach, surveys the methodologies and results from empirical studies undertaken in the use of thesauri as sources of term selection for query formulation and expansion during the search process. Summarizes the ways in which domain-specific thesauri from different disciplines have been used by various types of users, and looks at how these tools aid users in the selection of search terms. Divided into two main sections, first discusses studies thesaurus-aided search term selection, and then examines studies dealing with query expansion using thesauri. Illustrates both sections with case studies that have adopted a user-centered approach.