The significance of linking

The link has been central to the idea of hypertext since its inception and continues to enjoy widespread popularity. This paper briefly explores the h istory of links and draws a distinction between navigation and retrieval in information handling. The value of information content in certain navigati on and retrieval tasks is examined and the challenges of extending content- based retrieval and navigation to non-text media are identified. Finally, t he goal of more versatile content- and concept-based navigation is discusse d.