User agents in the interface to digital libraries

Abstract

this paper, though, the discussion is centered on user agents. A more detailed discussion of agency-related research can be found in [3]. The vigorous research being undertaken in the field of digital libraries generates both the need and the opportunity for considering user agents as the basis for an alternative style of human-computer interaction. The potential of agents for contributing to a more lively, personalized and cooperating environment for the user cannot beover-emphasized. Examples of missions that can be delegated to agents in a digital library includenotifying the user when information of interest is added or updated, filtering retrieved information according to the user's needs or preferences, and handling routine administrative procedures in the library (such as.