1236	 The SMART Automatic Document Retrieval System-An Illustration	 A fully automatic document retrieval system operating on the IBM is described. The system is characterized by the fact that several hundred different methods are available to analyze documents and search requests. This feature is used in the retrieval process by leaving the exact sequence of operations initially unspecified and adapting the search strategy to the needs of individual users. The system is used not only to simulate an actual operating environment but also to test the effectiveness of the various available processing methods. Results obtained so far seem to indicate that some combination of analysis procedures can in general be relied upon to retrieve the wanted information. A typical search request is used as an example in the present report to illustrate systems operations and evaluation procedures.
