Special issue on user modeling for Web information retrieval - Preface

The new innovative tools mainly user modeling and adaptive personalization required for information retrieval systems on the web was discussed. The importance and role of user modeling and adaptive personalization were identified to be capable of comprehending specific user information needs and to effectively filter out irrelevant information. New algorithms were also needed for adaptive personalization based on techniques such as machine learning natural language processing and new paradigms for interaction and navigation. The future information tools would offer better ways to deal with the information overload by blending multiple ways of information access with adaptation to individual needs and interests.