Computing and Information Retrieval: The Big Picture

This talk begins with a brief overview of information retrieval. I fast-forward through this history until the 1960s when the computer was used to improve search in traditional nonlinked collections. At which point, I pause to present some of the famous algorithms of traditional search. Then the pace of the historical overview slows to a trot when I emphasize web search—search through hyperlinked collections. Computing issues and popular numerical algorithms are presented. The talk shifts focus when the historical overview brings us to the present time. Here I discuss current web search problems and issues, and conclude by mentioning some of the latest innovations in search. Throughout, the relationship of computing to information retrieval, is emphasized.