ISAME: A multi-agent architecture for information retrieval

This paper proposes a multi-agent architecture called ISAME for retrieving information from heterogeneous and distributed sources. Such an architecture constitutes a virtual library that provides user agents with a simplified access to a dynamic set of information sources available over open networks such as Internet, as well as with services which aim at making easier and optimizing the information retrieval process. Thus, thanks to the work of agents, users do not need to have concern for the implementation method, availability and interaction language of each information source. The result is an open architecture which enables new agents to register or to quit the environment at any time. In this way, resources can be modified dynamically according to their availability.