Image retrieval by end-users and intermediaries in a journalistic work context

Abstract

This paper describes a study on the image searching behavior of end-users (journalists) and intermediaries (archivists) in a newspaper editorial office. Image queries by end-users and requests to intermediaries were analyzed, compared and categorized according to typologies from literature. The process of image selection was modeled and selection criteria were studied based on interviews, observation and a survey. The results indicate that most image queries and requests dealt with specific entities, but that object types were also common. Thematic image needs seem to be fulfilled by end-user searching and browsing rather than by requests. Image retrieval tasks were highly influenced by contextual factors. Relevance assessments were made at situational level using several types of criteria, including abstract and affective factors. Several types of collaborative searches were observed. Richer research and analysis methods are needed to characterize journalists' image needs and searching behavior.

Designing Novel Image Search Interfaces by Understanding Unique Characteristics and Usage

“…Analysis of image requests of journalists [17] found that over half were for a named person or object, and that browsing was an essential strategy, though it was not generally well supported. Similarly, a study of a newspaper image archive [22] indicated that around 40% of requests were for a named person, with a significant number of requests for general objects or themes. In a study of queries to a commercial database by professional users [14], proper nouns accounted for only 9% of queries, whereas nouns accounted for around 50% of searches, and again browsing and exploration were seen to be under-supported.…”

Analysing Creative Image Search Information Needs

“…For example, Westman and Oittinen (2006), Markkula and Sormunen (2000), Ornager (1995) specialised in image needs for newspapers. Chen (2001) researched user's needs in the context of art history by analyzing queries of twenty nine students of Art History, Jorgensen and Jorgensen (2005) analysed image searches and queries, user query modification strategies, and user browsing and downloading of results through search logs from a commercial image provider.…”

Expeditions through image jungles

“…Jörgensen and Jörgensen (2005) analyse logs from an image search engine undertaking a quantitative analysis of the session and queries. More recently Westman and Oittinen (2006) looked at image retrieval within the field of journalism and found some interesting behaviour regarding the image searching of journalists and archivists within this specialised domain. They found that 40% of queries were for a specific person, although there were a significant number of queries for general objects and themes as well.…”