1. A computer-implemented method for reducing execution of overly broad user queries, the method comprising the steps of: providing a database containing information organized into classes according to a subject matter classification system; building a hierarchical subject guide relating to a class of information within the subject matter classification system, the hierarchical subject guide including a plurality of topic levels; categorizing each of the topic levels relating to the specific class of information as either overbroad, broad, or narrow; receiving a query from an access device having a display; mapping the received query to one or more of the topic levels and designating the query as either overbroad, broad, or narrow without executing the query against the database; displaying a portion of the hierarchical subject guide that corresponds to the topic level to which the query has been mapped without executing the query against the database when the query is designated as either overbroad or broad, wherein the portion of the hierarchical subject guide that corresponds to the topic level is displayed together with a plurality of document identifiers, wherein each document identifier is linked to one of the plurality of documents related to the topic level; and executing the query against the database and displaying the results when the query is designated as narrow wherein each of the above steps are carried out using a computer.
1. A computer-implemented method for reducing execution of overly broad user queries, the method comprising the steps of: providing a database containing information organized into classes according to a subject matter classification system; building a hierarchical subject guide relating to a class of information within the subject matter classification system, the hierarchical subject guide including a plurality of topic levels; categorizing each of the topic levels relating to the specific class of information as either overbroad, broad, or narrow; receiving a query from an access device having a display; mapping the received query to one or more of the topic levels and designating the query as either overbroad, broad, or narrow without executing the query against the database; displaying a portion of the hierarchical subject guide that corresponds to the topic level to which the query has been mapped without executing the query against the database when the query is designated as either overbroad or broad, wherein the portion of the hierarchical subject guide that corresponds to the topic level is displayed together with a plurality of document identifiers, wherein each document identifier is linked to one of the plurality of documents related to the topic level; and executing the query against the database and displaying the results when the query is designated as narrow wherein each of the above steps are carried out using a computer. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of displaying a portion of the hierarchical subject guide includes displaying a user-selectable topic level indicator as well as a plurality of user-selectable sub-topic level indicators.