Information retrieval is mainly divided into two processes: storage and retrieval, which is to store information according to specific laws. Information retrieval and service provision are the service processes of finding out and providing the retrieved information according to the needs of users. Information retrieval and providing services are to provide specific services for users by using information resources, including information analysis, information research, information decision-making, etc.

Information retrieval and service provision are the most important and effective means to obtain information. Its function is to save the time and energy of the searcher, avoid repetitive work in the process of scientific research, and guide reading and learning. Information retrieval and provision service is to retrieve the time, place or process of a certain time with information as the object, and provide real-time and reliable information; Or take the original document as the search object and provide the article title, article content or author information.

At present, the common information retrieval methods include common methods (sequential search method, backward search method, spot check method), traceability method, circulation method, etc. different information retrieval and service providing enterprises provide information services for customers through different information retrieval methods.

Information retrieval and service provision is a practical and empirical work. Different search procedures will be adopted for different subjects to be examined, which will vary according to the subject and the individual. However, in the practice of information retrieval, we can still summarize the general procedures and steps of information retrieval according to the basic principles of information retrieval, so as to make the retrieval work orderly and achieve better retrieval results.