This paper discusses problems inherent in retrieval from multimedia information systems. These problems stem from the diverse and inherently unstructured nature of multimedia. We examine some problems in this area, identify some notable successes, and present a set of user interface design principles for creating effective interfaces to multimedia information. We then discuss information retrieval problem associated with Jabber, a system that captures, indexes, and allows users to browse the results of multimedia meetings. Finally, we detail a set of techniques that we are using in Jabber's user interface that follow the design principles, and attempt to address the problems of retrieving information from a multimedia database.