"I'm really impressed! A unified vision of the enhancement of searching vocabulary throughout the current information technology world. Beautifully written, comprehensive, and revealing of the many possible uses of vocabulary enhancement in improving online searches."

—Marcia J. Bates, editor,
Understanding Information Retrieval Systems

Here is a clear and comprehensive treatment of the role of thesauri in search user interfaces across a range of information search and retrieval systems—from bibliographic and full-text databases to digital libraries, portals, open archives, and content management systems. Ali Shiri looks at projects, practices, perspectives, and services from disparate communities, and—drawing on an array of successful applications, usability studies, current research, and firsthand experience—offers practical guidance on using thesauri to build better search engines.

"A brilliant synthesis that explains how controlled vocabularies and thesauri can be integrated with search systems to dramatically improve findability and the overall user experience. ... a must read for all information architects!"

—Peter Morville, co-author,
Search Patterns: Design for Discovery

"After 50 years of evolution the thesaurus remains a potent tool. With experience of relevant practice-oriented research, Ali Shiri's account of the design, use, and evaluation of thesauri for interactive and web-based search and browsing is useful and readable."

—Alan Gilchrist,
Cura Consortium

"This book is a significant contribution to the information management literature. As a reference book it is extremely well documented; lots of examples; covers the latest developments and research. Will be a useful resource for user interface developers."

—Marjorie M. K. Hlava,
president, Access Innovations, Inc.