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.