Choose which source governs a conflicting answer
Test a case where an older handbook and a dated policy mention different values, then make the relevant source rule explicit.
Find two similar numbers
In the fictional collection, the handbook says scanner reservations come in 30-minute blocks. The November policy lists a 45-minute loan limit. The two sources answer different questions. A quote can correctly copy a number and still use the wrong source for the question.
Keep the database from the mixed-document indexing lab. Look up the reservation wording and the policy row separately.
python mixed_search.py find "scanner 30-minute" --kind prose --as-of 2026-11-14
python mixed_search.py find --equipment EQ-314 --as-of 2026-11-14You can cite handbook page 2 for the reservation block and the November table for the loan limit. Explain what each number measures.
Define which source to use
Write a rule for each fact your application handles. In this example the active equipment policy governs a loan limit. The handbook describes where and how to reserve. For questions about a past date, choose the applicable edition before choosing an equipment row.
Separate the rules that decide whether a source can answer from the ranking that decides which eligible passages to read first. Metadata such as policy family, effective date, and record type can help enforce those rules. A file digest records which edition was used after the source was selected.
Test ambiguous wording
Compare “What is the loan limit for EQ-314?” with “How long can I book the scanner for?” The second could mean one slot or the longest permitted loan. The lab routes any question with an equipment ID to the table. If you extend it to handle both intents, require the user to choose the meaning or display both values with labels and distinct citations.
Write an expected source and answer for each reading before changing the routing. Add a case with a removed item and another with no effective edition. Check for a missing result before claiming that the policy prohibits the item.
Check your understanding
Two quotes are genuine and both mention the scanner. What determines which is evidence for a loan-limit answer?
The source’s scope and effective date determine whether it governs the limit. Open the matching row and confirm the value.
Sources
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