By focusing on knowledge-based systems technology, the primary purpose and goal of this book is to improve the quality of reference service rendered in libraries. Within reference service, this book examines question-answering, a complex and difficult task. For those interested in the theoretical aspects of reference work, they have to look no further than the first chapter. In addition, the book features theoretical chapters on modelling the reference transaction, a chapter on the logic of ready reference work, and a chapter on the appropriate criteria to apply in selecting an expert system shell. Several practical chapters focus on what KBS work has already been done in the field and evaluate nearly fifty expert system development shells, so that readers can select the most appropriate shell for their domain. The subtitle of the book is applications, problems, and progress in regard to expert systems in reference work. Applications are covered most clearly in chapter 8 which reviews the more than extant prototypes. Chapter 3 covers what is feasible, chapter 4 models the reference transaction, and chapter 7 covers interface issues so that future applications can be more successful. Problems are covered throughout the book, starting with chapter 1 which discusses the traditional emphasis on reference sources. It argues that the field needs to shift toward procedural knowledge related to work in reference departments. The chapter on expert system feasibility reveals that there are alternative ways of conceptualizing the intellectual work of an expert, and, of course, chapter 9 directly points out limitations in extant systems. Encouraging words occur in chapter 1 about the shift to a balanced or complete paradigm for doing reference work. Similarly, the chapter on modelling is optimistic, in that reference work can be modelled and systems implemented which act like human experts. The final chapter tries to avoid the technological optimism inherent in many books on expert systems by identifying the near-term factors which will influence the development of expert systems. Key Features * Historical background presenting the field's paradigmatic thinking * Decision trees for basic formats of reference material * Flowchart modelling the reference transaction * Reviews of more than fifty extant KBS in general reference environments * Evaluative criteria on more than forty expert system shells

Knowledge Based Systems (KBS) are systems that use artificial intelligence techniques in the problem solving process. This text is designed to develop an appreciation of KBS and their architecture and to help users understand a broad variety of knowledge based techniques for decision support and planning. It assumes basic computer science skills and a math background that includes set theory, relations, elementary probability, and introductory concepts of artificial intelligence. Each of the 12 chapters are designed to be modular providing instructors with the flexibility to model the book to their own course needs. Exercises are incorporated throughout the text to highlight certain aspects of the material being presented and to stimulate thought and discussion.

Here is the first comprehensive reference to the literature available for the individual interested in KM, featuring citations to over 1,500 published articles, 150+ Web sites, and more than 400 books. Organized by topic area, this is a natural companion volume to Knowledge Management for the Information Professional and an important tool for anyone charged with contributing to or managing an organization's intellectual assets.

The art of building knowledge systems is multidisciplinary, incorporating computer science theory, programming practice and psychology. This book incorporates these varied fields covering topics ranging from algorithms and representations to techniques for acquiring the task specific knowledge.

This book includes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the 15th Annual RoboCup International Symposium, held in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2011. The 12 revised papers and 32 poster presentation presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 97 submissions. The papers are orginazed on topical sections on robot hardware and software, perception and action, robotic cognition and learning, multi-robot systems, human-robot interaction, education and edutainment and applications.

This five-volume set clearly manifests the great significance of these key technologies for the new economies of the new millennium. The discussions provide a wealth of practical ideas intended to foster innovation in thought and, consequently, in the further development of technology. Together, they comprise a significant and uniquely comprehensive reference source for research workers, practitioners, computer scientists, academics, students, and others on the international scene for years to come.

The design of knowledge systems is finding myriad applications from corporate databases to general decision support in areas as diverse as engineering, manufacturing and other industrial processes, medicine, business, and economics. In engineering, for example, knowledge bases can be utilized for reliable electric power system operation. In medicine they support complex diagnoses, while in business they inform the process of strategic planning. Programmed securities trading and the defeat of chess champion Kasparov by IBM's Big Blue are two familiar examples of dedicated knowledge bases in combination with an expert system for decision-making.With volumes covering "Implementation," "Optimization," "Computer Techniques," and "Systems and Applications," this comprehensive set constitutes a unique reference source for students, practitioners, and researchers in computer science, engineering, and the broad range of applications areas for knowledge-based systems.