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This paper discusses the role of intelligent agents in facilitating the seeking and retrieval of information in Web‐based library environments. An overview is presented on agents and their current application in library domains to produce a generic agent‐based model for libraries to follow. The model suggests that Web‐based information seeking and retrieval in library contexts could be enhanced through a collaborating network of interface and information agents. Recent research results offer insights on the design of interface agents to support Web‐based browsing and searching. These are applied to the model in terms of the functionality required to facilitate information seeking and retrieval behaviour across library collections. Implications on library policy and digital collections surrounding the use of agents are also discussed.

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A thesis subrnitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty of Information S~d i e s University of Toronto Q Copyright by Clément Arsenault, 2000 uisitioris and "E Acquisitions et Bib iographic Services sewices bibliographiques The author bas granted a nonexclusive licence allowing the National L i b w of Canada to reproduce, loan, distn'bute or sell copies of this thesis in microforni, paper or electronic formats. The author retains ownership of the copyright in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts fiom it may be printed or otherwise reproduced wirbout the author's. permission. L'auteur a accordé une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibiiotbèque nationale du Canada de reproduire, prêter, distribuer ou vendre des copies de cette tbese sous la forme de microficbe/lalm, de reproduction sur papier ou sur format électronique. L'auteur conserve la propriété du droit d'auteur qui protège cette thèse. Ni la Wse ni des extraits substantids de celle-ci ne doivent être imprimes ou autrement reproduits sans son autorisation.