Conclusion and Further Research

6. Conclusion

At present no overall integrative framework exists for CIR, but an integrated approach—i.e., that distinguishes separate concepts and processes in information seeking and information search then attempts to create an integrated conceptualization of the user who is both searching and seeking information within the larger context of HIB—has the potential to yield a more holistic theoretical and cognitive understanding that will assist IR and Web system designers.

This book provides an overview of new directions in CIR research. The field of CIR is broad, international, interdisciplinary and dynamic with tremendous potential to impact the everyday lives of people in both developed and developing countries as they increasingly need to interact with IR systems. This book is not an exhaustive or historical discussion of all possible areas of important and new directions in CIR research. Information retrieval, in all its technical, cognitive and other respects continues to be an intractable research problem and research area. Our goal in producing this book was to stimulate the thinking of authors and readers alike.