Process-aware knowledge retrieval

Even with modern information retrieval systems and advanced digital libraries, many people cannot find the information they need when they need it. There are many reasons why information access is difficult: users cannot track all the available information sources, few computer users are skilled in composing queries and "everyday" applications (e.g., word processors and spreadsheets) are not integrated with information access tools. Process-aware retrieval, however, offers a framework that shifts the burden of information access from the user to the computer. By explicitly representing processes, and information about processes, process-aware retrieval enables the computer to make highly targeted suggestions regarding knowledge and information sources, while aiding in the completion of process steps. This papers reviews current strategies for information access, evaluating strengths and weaknesses, and then defines a process-aware framework that builds on the strengths to address the weaknesses.