This course will examine the design, implementation, usage, and evaluation of information retrieval systems. We will focus on the underlying retrieval models, algorithms, and system implementations. We will learn how effective information search and retrieval is interrelated with the organization and description of information to be retrieved. We will also study more advanced topics in intelligent information retrieval, particularly as related to distributed IR on the World Wide Web, including techniques and systems for information integration, categorization, and filtering. Throughout the course, current literature from the viewpoints of both research and practical retrieval technologies both on and off the World Wide Web will be examined.