A method of predicting the search needs of a computerized database search user. The present invention uses a topical database comprising a plurality of categories. Each category is referenced and/or related to other categories. The present invention also uses a document database and an anticipated search term database wherein documents and anticipated search terms are correspondingly assigned to a respective topical category. Upon receiving an initial search term, the present invention locates the initial search term within the anticipated search term database and assigns the topical category of the matched anticipated search term to the initial search term. The present invention then retrieves document information for assigned documents of the topical category assigned to the initial search term as well as retrieves document information for assigned documents of any referenced and/or related topical categories to the initial search term topical category.

 
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