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  • × author_ss:"Nicholas, D."
  1. Nicholas, D.; Huntington, P.; Jamali, H.R.; Rowlands, I.; Fieldhouse, M.: Student digital information-seeking behaviour in context (2009) 0.02
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    Abstract
    Purpose - This study provides evidence on the actual information-seeking behaviour of students in a digital scholarly environment, not what they thought they did. It also compares student information-seeking behaviour with that of other academic communities, and, in some cases, for practitioners. Design/methodology/approach - Data were gathered as part of CIBER's ongoing Virtual Scholar programme. In particular log data from two digital journals libraries, Blackwell Synergy and OhioLINK, and one e-book collection (Oxford Scholarship Online) are utilized. Findings - The study showed a distinctive form of information-seeking behaviour associated with students and differences between them and other members of the academic community. For example, students constituted the biggest users in terms of sessions and pages viewed, and they were more likely to undertake longer online sessions. Undergraduates and postgraduates were the most likely users of library links to access scholarly databases, suggesting an important "hot link" role for libraries. Originality/value - Few studies have focused on the actual (rather than perceived) information-seeking behaviour of students. The study fills that gap.
    Date
    23. 2.2009 17:22:41
  2. Nicholas, D.: LISA Plus on CD-ROM : version 4 (1997) 0.02
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    Abstract
    Presents a brief, critical review of LISA PLaus: the CD-ROM database version of LISA and which includes the database of Current Research in Library and Information Science (CRLIS). The review covers the DOS version only, as it appeared in the Summer 1996 CD-ROM, noting that the Windows version was planned for the future. Points to the way LISA has found its mark, if not its fortune, in LISA Plus and notes its strengths, including: ideal suitability for current awareness in library and information science (LIS); massive and convenient consolidation of the published LIS literature; and massive increase in coverage from 7.900 abstracts in 1993 to over 12.000 currently. Criticizes certain features of LISA Plus, notably: the OPTI-Ware search interface; the combination of 2 databases (LISA and CRLIS) in a single, searchable database; and certain unexpected effects caused by the building of the Subject and Free Text indexes. Points particularly to great lack of consistency in the indexes and the indexing (faults that were fully rectified by a complete overhaul of the data in Summer 1996). Notes that LISA Plus is the first port of call for both information researchers and information science students. The Windows version of LISA Plus was launched in Spring 1997
    Date
    9. 2.1997 18:44:22
  3. Nicholas, D.: Assessing information needs : tools and techniques (1996) 0.01
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    Date
    26. 2.2008 19:22:51
  4. Nicholas, D.; Huntington, P.; Watkinson, A.: Digital journals, Big Deals and online searching behaviour : a pilot study (2003) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Evaluates, through deep log analysis, the impact of "Big Deal" agreements on the online searching behaviour of users of the Emerald digital library Web site, which provides access to more than 150 journals in the fields of business and information science. The purpose of the evaluation was to map the online information seeking behaviour of the digital library user and to see whether those signed-up to a Big Deal arrangement behaved any differently from the others. In general they did. The real surprise proved to be the strong consumer traits of the library's users. Research reported here refers to the first stage of a three-stage research project.
  5. Williams, P.; Nicholas, D.; Gunter, B.: E-learning: what the literature tells us about distance education : an overview (2005) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Purpose - The CIBER group at University College London are currently evaluating a distance education initiative funded by the Department of Health, providing in-service training to NHS staff via DiTV and satellite to PC systems. This paper aims to provide the context for the project by outlining a short history of distance education, describing the media used in providing remote education, and to review research literature on achievement, attitude, barriers to learning and learner characteristics. Design/methodology/approach - Literature review, with particular, although not exclusive, emphasis on health. Findings - The literature shows little difference in achievement between distance and traditional learners, although using a variety of media, both to deliver pedagogic material and to facilitate communication, does seem to enhance learning. Similarly, attitudinal studies appear to show that the greater number of channels offered, the more positive students are about their experiences. With regard to barriers to completing courses, the main problems appear to be family or work obligations. Research limitations/implications - The research work this review seeks to consider is examining "on-demand" showing of filmed lectures via a DiTV system. The literature on DiTV applications research, however, is dominated by studies of simultaneous viewing by on-site and remote students, rather than "on-demand". Practical implications - Current research being carried out by the authors should enhance the findings accrued by the literature, by exploring the impact of "on-demand" video material, delivered by DiTV - something no previous research appears to have examined. Originality/value - Discusses different electronic systems and their exploitation for distance education, and cross-references these with several aspects evaluated in the literature: achievement, attitude, barriers to take-up or success, to provide a holistic picture hitherto missing from the literature.
  6. Nicholas, D.; Huntington, P.; Gunter, B.; Withey, R.; Russell, C.: ¬The British and their use of the Web for health information and advice : a survey (2003) 0.01
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    Abstract
    In the UK, both anecdotal and research evidence points to ever greater and more sophisticated use of the Web to provide health information and advice. The study reported here adds to this research with an online survey of Internet users' reported use of the Web to access information about health and their opinions about the advice that can be obtained there. Over a period of three weeks more than 1,300 people responded to an online questionnaire produced by The British Life and Internet Project; 81 per cent or 997 of the respondents were British. The prime purpose of the questionnaire was to obtain information on the characteristics of the users of health information Web sites, to obtain feedback regarding for what they used online health sites and what were the perceived outcomes associated with using online health information.
  7. Nicholas, D.: Assessing information needs : tools, techniques and concepts for the Internet age (2000) 0.01
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    Abstract
    This work tackles one of the fundamental problems of information management - how to get the right information to the right person at the right time. It provides a practical framework to enable information services to gather information from users in order to aid information system design, and to monitor the effectiveness of an information service. This new edition has been fully revised and now has increased coverage of the Internet. The Web raises many problems when it comes to meeting information needs - authority and overload, for example - and these problems make an effective information needs analysis even more crucial. There is a new methodology section on Web log analysis and focus group interviews. Practical advice is given concerning interview technique and an interview schedule is included.
  8. Williams, P.; Nicholas, D.: ¬The migration of news to the web (1999) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Virtually all UK and US newspapers and the vast majority of regional and even local titles are now represented on the web. Indeed, the Yahoo news and media directory lists no less than 114 UK newspapers online (as of November 1998). Broadcasters from the BBC and Sky downwards, and all the famous news agencies (Press Association, Reuters etc.) also boast comprehensive Internet services. With such an array of sources available, the future of mass access to the Internet, possibly via TV terminals, suggests that more and more people may soon opt for this medium to receive the bulk of their news information. This paper gives an overview of the characteristics of the medium illustrated with examples of how these are being used to both facilitate and enhance the content and dissemination of the news product. These characteristics include hyperlinking to external information sources, providing archive access to past reports, reader interactivity and other features not possible to incorporate into more passive media such as the hardcopy newspaper. From a survey of UK and US news providers it is clear that American newspapers are exploiting the advantages of web information dissemination to a far greater extent than their British counterparts, with the notable exception of The Electronic Telegraph. UK broadcasters, however, generally appear to have adapted better to the new medium, with the BBC rivaling CNN in its depth and extent of news coverage, use of links and other elements.
  9. Nicholas, D.; Boydell, L.: BLAISE-LINE : enigma, anomaly or anachronism? (1996) 0.01
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    Abstract
    BLAISE-LINE provides online access to all of the British Library's major catalogues as well as to other major bibliographies. With its MARC records, Dewey numbers and Library of Congress headings (LCSH), BLAISE-LINE remains a tradtional library oriented online service. Presents the results of a survey of 37 libraries using BLAISE-LINE to find out what users thought of it and how it compared to the more modern systems of enduser, fulltext, CD-ROM and the Internet. The principal uses to which respondents put BLAISE-LINE were bibliographical checking, answering subject enquiries, and obtaining interlibrary loans. The survey also covered frequency of use, ease of use, problems in using the system, cost issues, and training and support. Findings show that professional librarians value the efficiency of BLAISE-LINE above the user friedliness of other systems
  10. Rowlands, I.; Nicholas, D.; Jamali, H.R.; Huntington, P.: What do faculty and students really think about e-books? (2007) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Purpose - The purpose of this article is to report on a large-scale survey that was carried out to assess academic users' awareness, perceptions and existing levels of use of e-books. The survey also seeks to find out about the purposes to which electronic books were put, and to obtain an understanding of the most effective library marketing and communication channels. Design/methodology/approach - An e-mail invitation to participate in the survey was distributed to all UCL staff and students (approximately 27,000) in November 2006, and 1,818 completions were received, an effective response rate of at least 6.7 per cent. Statistical analyses were carried out on the data using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings - The survey findings point to various ways in which user uptake and acceptance of e-books may be encouraged. Book discovery behaviour, a key issue for publishers and librarians in both print and electronic environments, emerges as a critical focus for service delivery and enhancement. Originality/value - The survey is part of an action research project, CIBER's SuperBook, that will further investigate the issues raised in this initial benchmarking survey using deep log analysis and qualitative methods. The paper partly fills the gap in the literature on e-books which has mainly focused on usage and not the users.
  11. Rowlands, I.; Nicholas, D.; Williams, P.; Huntington, P.; Fieldhouse, M.; Gunter, B.; Withey, R.; Jamali, H.R.; Dobrowolski, T.; Tenopir, C.: ¬The Google generation : the information behaviour of the researcher of the future (2008) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Purpose - This article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC to identify how the specialist researchers of the future (those born after 1993) are likely to access and interact with digital resources in five to ten years' time. The purpose is to investigate the impact of digital transition on the information behaviour of the Google Generation and to guide library and information services to anticipate and react to any new or emerging behaviours in the most effective way. Design/methodology/approach - The study was virtually longitudinal and is based on a number of extensive reviews of related literature, survey data mining and a deep log analysis of a British Library and a JISC web site intended for younger people. Findings - The study shows that much of the impact of ICTs on the young has been overestimated. The study claims that although young people demonstrate an apparent ease and familiarity with computers, they rely heavily on search engines, view rather than read and do not possess the critical and analytical skills to assess the information that they find on the web. Originality/value - The paper reports on a study that overturns the common assumption that the "Google generation" is the most web-literate.
  12. Nicholas, D.: Information systems vs information user (1996) 0.01
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    Abstract
    There is a tendency for the information profession to neglect information use and the user. Discusses the factors which conspire to create this situation: the information profession is system driven; the profession is plagued by poor communication skills and insular attitudes; the expenditure of resources is thought to be excessive and unaffordable; and there is no existing easy or practical methodology. Considers the reasons why users' needs must be taken more seriously in future
  13. Nicholas, D.; Frossling, I.: ¬The information handler in the digital age (1996) 0.01
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    Abstract
    The digital revolution represents an historic challenge to all information handlers who are likely to experience the rearrangement and redefintion of their roles and relationships. Discusses the threats, changes and challenges of the Internet to journalistic professionals, especially print journalists. These include: loss of monopoly in news production; loss of the exclusivity of news; loss of the need for news arbitrators, authorities and guardians; and the possibility that journalists may be peddling an obsolete product given that the younger generation do not regard newspapers as especially appealing. Discusses the implications of these facts for the information profession
  14. Nicholas, D.; Martin, H.: Assessing information needs : a case study of journalists (1997) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Outlines a structure for analysing information needs. The purpose of the structure is to enable data on users to be collected in a systematic and routine manner. The form of analysis is demonstrated through a consideration of the information needs of newspaper journalists. Aspects of information need considered are: subject, nature, function, viewpoint, authority, quantity, quality, place of origin, speed of delivery, and processing/packaging. Considers the barriers to meeting information needs and training, time, resources, access and information overload. Also assesses the library's role in meeting information needs
  15. Polydoratou, P.; Nicholas, D.: Familiarity with and use of metadata formats and metadata registries amongst those working in diverse professional communities within the information sector (2001) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Metadata registries are considered to be a solution to the problem of ata sharing and standardising of information on the Internet. The International Organization for Information recognised the need for a standardised approach to this problem and produce ISO/IEC 11179 Information Technology - Specification and standardisation of data elements. As part of an ongoing research project on the ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registries implementation a questionnaire survey was carried out on four discussion lists an the EU funded SCHEMAS 2nd workshop (23-24th November 2000). Results from this survey, which was essentially aiming to identify how familiar people were with metadata and metadata registries, are presented along with a brief introduction to the ISO/IEC 11179 Information Technology - Specification and standardisation of data elements standard.
  16. Nicholas, D.: ¬An assessment of the online searching behaviour of practitioner end users (1996) 0.01
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    Abstract
    The study set out to determine: (1) what were the searching characteristics of end-users in a non-academic environment and explain this in the light of their information needs; (2) whether these characteristics were those that were ascribed to end users in the professional literature; (3) whether they differed materially from those of information professionals working in the same fields. Searching characteristics were interpreted in their widest sense to include: command utilisation/knowledge; search success a satisfaction; volume of searching; searching style / approach; duration of searches; file selection; willingness to delegate and levels of training. These issues were explored in relation to 2 practitioner groups - journalists from he Guardian newspaper, and politicians from The House of Commons. Comparative data were also sought from information professionals in these 2 organisations. A mixture of social and statistical methods was used to monitor end-user and professional searching, though transactional log analysis was strongly featured. Altogether the searching behaviour of 170 end users was evaluated in the light of the searching behaviour of 70 librarians. The principal findings were that: in some respects end users did conform to the picture that information professionals have of them: they did seartch with a limited range of commands; more of their searches produced no results, and search statements were simplly constructed. But in other respects they confounded their image - they could be very quick and economical searchers, and they did not display meters of print-out. However, there were variations between individual end users, and it was often possible to find an end-user group that matched an information professional group on one aspect of online searching or another. The online behaviour of end users was very much related to their general information seeking behaviour; and to the fact that they were not trained
  17. Huntington, P.; Nicholas, D.; Homewood, J.; Polydoratou, P.; Gunter, B.; Russell, C.; Withey, R.: ¬The general public's use of (and attitudes towards) interactive, personal digital health information and advisory services (2004) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Examines statistically the public's use and attitudes towards interactive and personal health services via an online questionnaire survey and enhances these data with an expert assessment of a number of consumer health sites and their services. Over a period of three weeks more than 1,300 people responded to an online questionnaire produced by The British Life and Internet Project. Of the respondents, 81 per cent were British. The likely potential uptake figure for support group participation among Internet health users is about 20 per cent while around 11 to 13 per cent will go online to describe a medical condition. Those in poor heath were approximately ten to 13 times more likely to have participated in an online support group. Those aged over 65 were four times as likely to e-mail their doctor. More positive health outcomes were associated with those respondents that participated in online support groups and the least number of health outcomes were associated with those people that maintained e-mail contact with a doctor or surgery.
  18. Nicholas, D.; Huntington, P.; Jamali, H.R.; Rowlands, I.; Dobrowolski, T.; Tenopir, C.: Viewing and reading behaviour in a virtual environment : the full-text download and what can be read into it (2008) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Purpose - This article aims to focus on usage data in respect to full-text downloads of journal articles, which is considered an important usage (satisfaction) metric by librarians and publishers. The purpose is to evaluate the evidence regarding full-text viewing by pooling together data on the full-text viewing of tens of thousands of users studied as part of a number of investigations of e-journal databases conducted during the Virtual Scholar research programme. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the web logs of a number of electronic journal libraries including OhioLINK and ScienceDirect using Deep Log Analysis, which is a more sophisticated form of transactional log analysis. The frequency, characteristics and diversity of full-text viewing are examined. The article also features an investigation into the time spent online viewing full-text articles in order to get a clearer understanding of the significance of full-text viewing, especially in regard to reading. Findings - The main findings are that there is a great deal of variety amongst scholars in their full-text viewing habits and that a large proportion of views are very cursory in nature, although there is survey evidence to suggest that reading goes on offline. Originality/value - This is the first time that full-text viewing evidence is studied on such a large scale.
  19. Nicholas, D.; Clark, D.; Rowlands, I.; Jamali, H.R.: Information on the go : a case study of Europeana mobile users (2013) 0.01
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    Abstract
    According to estimates the mobile device will soon be the main platform for searching the web, and yet our knowledge of how mobile consumers use information, and how that differs from desktops/laptops users, is imperfect. The paper sets out to correct this through an analysis of the logs of a major cultural website, Europeana. The behavior of nearly 70,000 mobile users was examined over a period of more than a year and compared with that for PC users of the same site and for the same period. The analyses conducted include: size and growth of use, time patterns of use; geographical location of users, digital collections used; comparative information-seeking behavior using dashboard metrics, clustering of users according to their information seeking, and user satisfaction. The main findings were that mobile users were the fastest-growing group and will rise rapidly to a million by December 2012 and that their visits were very different in the aggregate from those arising from fixed platforms. Mobile visits could be described as being information "lite": typically shorter, less interactive, and less content viewed per visit. Use took a social rather than office pattern, with mobile use peaking at nights and weekends. The variation between different mobile devices was large, with information seeking on the iPad similar to that for PCs and laptops and that for smartphones very different indeed. The research further confirms that information-seeking behavior is platform-specific and the latest platforms are changing it all again. Websites will have to adapt.
  20. Monopoli, M.; Nicholas, D.: ¬A user evaluation of Subject Based Information Gateways : case study ADAM (2001) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Nowadays, end-users have quick and direct access to massive amount of information available on the Net. However, this information is unorganized expecting users to be able to identify and evaluate it in accordance with their information needs. Subject based information Gateways SBIG, organized collections of networked information, provide users with a catalogue of authoritative Internet resources, which can be searched and/ or browsed. This paper provides an evaluation of one such gateway - the Art, Design, Architecture & Media Gateway ADAM. It provides information on who these users are, how often they use the service, what their reasons for use are, which search methods and services they prefer and what are the advantages and disadvantages of an online information service.