Encounters with the OPAC: On‐line searching in public libraries

Debra J. Slone

Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 2000, vol. 51, issue 8, 757-773

Abstract: This article reports on a qualitative study exploring: (1) strategies and behaviors of public library users during interaction with an on‐line public access catalog; and (2) users' confidence in finding needed information on‐line. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were employed to gather data from 32 public library users. The results found search behaviors, confidence, and other feelings varied, based on three types of searches: unknown‐item searches, area searches, and known‐item searches. Term generation was the most important factor in unknown‐item search strategies. Speed and convenience played a role in area searches, and simplicity characterized known‐item searches. Of the three types, unknown‐item searchers experienced the most frustration and doubt; known‐item searchers the most disappointment; and area searchers the most confidence and contentment. Knowledge of these differences may prove helpful for librarians and interface designers.

Date: 2000
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https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4571(2000)51:83.0.CO;2-T

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:jamest:v:51:y:2000:i:8:p:757-773

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