Keyword search results problem

[Elizabeth Thomsen <et@xxxxxxxxxx>]

We have a problem with the way both the old and new keyword search
engines modify searches to get results (no matter how irrelevant) and
especially with the way it handles this when the modified search only
results in one hit...you get the record without explanation for why the
system selected it when it really doesn't match your search.  Is anyone
else having a problem with this?

In the old keyword search engine, which is what we're currently using,
it modifies the search by starting with the most uncommon of the words,
and then attempting to add the other words to that one.  For example, 
if you enter CHARLES DICKENS BLEAK HOUSE BOOJUMS, it will take you
directly to the one and only one record in the system that has the word
Boojums in it, without explanation.  This often comes up when the user
has entered several words and made a typo in one, if that typo turns out
to be a different, less common word (sometimes in another language.)  

I know that opinions vary on whether or not it's useful to modify the
search to get results, and how well the old and new systems of
modification work, but in any event, if the system is going to change
the search to get result, the information on how the system did this
need to be on the results screen, even if there's only one hit.

-- 
Elizabeth Thomsen, Member Services Manager
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Danvers MA 01923
et@xxxxxxxxxx
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