1. An information retrieval system, comprising: at least one file stored in a memory which defines a hierarchical relationship of terms describing an organizational framework for information; a user interface mechanism via which a user selects a level within said hierarchical relationship; a search query generator responsive to the selection of a level within said hierarchical relationship for constructing a search query of terms that are based upon the selected level; a search engine which searches a source of information to locate documents which correspond to the search query; and a display mechanism which displays information about the located documents to a user.