Personal Information Management in the Digital Age
Timothy A. H. Bell
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering,
The University of Melbourne,
Parkville 3052, Australia.
Alistair Moffat
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering,
The University of Melbourne,
Parkville 3052, Australia.
Status
Proc. 22nd Australasian Computer Science Conference, Auckland, January 1999,
445-456.
Abstract
The memory extension which Vannevar Bush conceived during the 1930s
and 40s as a useful aid to memory and work practices has become sorely
needed in the information explosion of the 90s. We
advocate the development of an information broker or Personal
Information Assistant (PIA), which will assist in accessing many large
collections, including personal collections. Such a PIA will be used
from an early age, and over the years will build up an accurate model
of the information interests of its owner. The information its owner
sees, it will see, and also index and store, so that any item may be
retrieved later. Information will be dynamically organized
into hierarchical clusters, based on the user's past and current
interests. The PIA will also have the capability to communicate with
other PIAs, to support collaborative work.