An apparatus and method for simultaneously displaying both
record names and the associated files responsive to a user's search over a
database. A user conducts a routine search query over a
database or group of databases of records containing, for example, text documents, or alphabetical concordances thereof. The
search engine returns a
list of records responsive to the user's query. In contrast to the standard
list of
record identifiers, the apparatus displays both the identifiers and selected portions of those records or other useful information, as defined by the user, facilitating quick review. The user is able to sort the
list of these responsive records in a variety of ways, either before the search, or within the list of results, to expedite review. The apparatus identifies records that have been reviewed previously by marking them as “viewed” links. Finally, when reviewing any responsive
record in full, the complete list of records is displayed in a side panel, in a way that still allows resorting by the user. This side panel display may be re-sorted “
on the fly.” It also allows the user to see the identifiers of records anywhere in the list, and to easily jump, such as with a single mouse click, to any record in the list.