Reference Advisory Systems (RAS): Some Practical Issues

A reference advisory system (RAS) is a public access expert system that provides reference suggestions based on user information needs. It is designed to run without the presence of the “expert.” I use the acronym “RAS” to distinguish this kind of computerized reference tool from more sophisticated and elaborate expert systems such as REFSIM and Plexus. The hallmark of the RAS is ease of construction and update.