Wallace, P.M.: How do patrons search the online catalog when no one's looking? : transaction log analysis and implications for bibliographic instruction and system design (1993)
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- Abstract
- Describes a project which monitored electronically 11 public access terminals, at the Colorado University Librarys, to produce transaction logs that were used to gather statistics and analyze the behaviour of users when searching the library online catalogues. The study recorded user behaviour unobtrusively and focused exclusively on what actually occured during the search process. Among other findings it was revealed that the use of system supplied search aids varied, from low use of quick search and express search features, to more extensive use of search history and searching databases other than the home catalogue. Analysis of search results revealed that 66% of subject (keyword) and name searches produce 10 or fewer results, and 82% produce 25 or fewer titles, a manageable number for searchers to scan postings and spot relevant materials. User persistence in scanning titles was found to be high with the full list being requested for nearly 40% of searches netting up to 100 results. Overall, results show that emphasis on improved system design must be stressed if the needs of the majority of searchers are to be met more effectively
