-3- 
INFORMATION SYSTEMS SURVEY 
M TAXIR" 
[Taxonomic Information Retrieval System] 
TAXIR is a specialized information processing program with 
a high level language interface for defining simple queries or 
for requesting preparation of a catalog based upon the complete 
content of a data base. 
General applicability is limited by two key factors. It 
is designed to handle static data bases rather than those which 
grow or change frequently because the data matrix which is 
generated by TAXIR and is an integral part of the system re¬ 
quires the availability of all data records- at the time it is 
created. In addition, the data matrix must be core resident 
during query processing, hence limiting the size of the data 
base which can be handled. 
The system was built at the University of Colorado under 
Dr. David Rogers. It is written in a high level language and 
is currently operational on several types of computers. 
FILE ORGANIZATION — The TAXIR data file is made up of a 
collection of records each of which is identical in format to 
the other records in the collection. Thus each record is made 
up of a fixed set of fields. No hierarchical data organization 
is permitted. Each field may assume one of a predefined set of 
values. This file is stored sequentially. 
This data base is augmented by a highly compacted matrix 
which represents the content of each record and which is used 
to identify relevant records as defined by the selection 
criteria. This matrix is referred to as a construct and must 
be completely core resident when using TAXIR as a query system. 
The degree of data independence .built into the system is 
not known at this time. 
FILE CREATION — A complete data base is created in one 
run based upon input made up of a data string for each record 
with one entry per field. A construct is developed and stored 
for the data base. No automatic error analysis on content is 
provided by the system. 
FILE MAINTENANCE -- Not applicable since the complete 
data base must be present at file creation. 
RETRIEVAL — Retrieval is controlled by the user through 
a high level language composed of a Boolean selection state¬ 
ment made up of elements of the form: data item = data value. 
No parentneticals may be used. 
Search is performed on the construct and hence is rapid. 
Tabulations of retrieved data are presented as output. 
Their format is under system control. It is also possible to 
request a catalog of the complete content of the data base 
sorted on any combination of fields. This form of output does 
not use the search program or the construetHarriet R. Meadow. 
