scope:

The standard specifies a basic set of commands for the interactive search of retrieval systems data and the types of response expected from the processing system. It is intended for use by designers and users of information retrieval systems, including computer-based library catalogues and computer-based database access and search facilities. It does not restrict or prohibit the use of other types of user-system interaction, such as menus or natural language interfaces, or the use of a "native" (noon-standard) command language.