Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Task Family

Known-Item Search

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/known-item-search/

A search task in which the user is trying to find a particular known item rather than explore a topic or discover unknown relevant material.

Also called

  • Known Item Search
  • Known-Item Retrieval

Scope

Known-item search is common in library, web, enterprise, and catalog search. It is distinct from ad hoc topical retrieval and exploratory or interactive search, because the user has a specific target item in mind.

Observed terms

  • Navigational Search industry

Part of family

Includes

Not equivalent to

  • Known-Item Search is not Ad Hoc Retrieval. Known-item search targets a particular item already in the user's mind; ad hoc retrieval usually targets topical relevance for a new information need.
  • Known-Item Search is not Exact Match. Known-item search describes a user goal of finding a specific item; exact match is a matching method that may help when the user knows an exact title, identifier, or phrase.
  • Known-Item Search is not Interactive Search. Known-item search describes the user's target; interactive search describes an interaction style that may include known-item, exploratory, or other goals.
  • Known-Item Search is not Tip-of-the-Tongue Search. Tip-of-the-tongue search is a specialized form of known-item search where the searcher cannot reliably recall the item identifier.

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ID