Selecting Algorithms for Black Box Matrices: Checking for Matrix   Properties That Can Simplify Computations
  Processes to automate the selection of appropriate algorithms for various matrix computations are described. In particular, processes to check for, and certify, various matrix properties of black box matrices are presented. These include sparsity patterns and structural properties that allow "superfast" algorithms to be used in place of black-box algorithms. Matrix properties that hold generically, and allow the use of matrix preconditioning to be reduced or eliminated, can also be checked for and certified - notably including in the small-field case, where this presently has the greatest impact on the efficiency of the computation. 
Wayne Eberly
cs.NA