In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students' usage of these tools. Regardless of the…

The Internet has made it possible for students to access a vast amount of high-quality references when writing papers. Yet research has shown that the use of reference databases is poor and the quality of student papers is consequently often below expectation. The objective of this article is twofold. First, it aims to describe the problems…

Using an opportunity to test the latest developments of computerized retrieval of Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) data, various aspects of the ERIC system that had previously gone unexamined were explored. The test of the system, which involved the use of an on-line computer terminal, is documented. Investigators were concerned…

Statistics gathered over five years of operation by the IIT Research Institute's Computer Search Center are summarized for profile terms and lists, use of truncation modes, use of logic operators, some characteristics of CA Condensates, etc. (Author/JB)

This report describes recent efforts to modify, test, and evaluate an experimental online database consisting of 15 vendor-supplied, controlled subject vocabularies or thesauri. The experimental database, called the Vocabulary Switching System (VSS), is designed to enhance search strategies and ultimately retrieval performance for users of online…

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

The results of personal interviews with 18 of the more experienced online searchers in Washington State are presented. A profile of respondents determines the experience of each in searching in years, number of searches per month, vendors used, and most used data bases. This information is used to analyze the answers given to questions about the…

The major objective of the IITRI Computer Search Center is to educate and link industry, academia, and government institutions to chemical and other scientific information systems and sources. The Center was developed to meet this objective and is in full operation providing services to users from a variety of machine-readable data bases with…

Library use and user studies (1973-1981) indexed in ERIC database were analyzed to ascertain areas in need of research as characterized by Tobin. Since 1972, most research conducted has been in large-scale studies and use of nonprint materials; use of government documents and library staff needs remain unresearched areas. (35 references) (EJS)

Search procedures and techniques used by the Center staff are described; the computerized information systems and traditional resources used and types of search requests received are delineated. (Author/JB)

Examines usage patterns of ELHILL retrieval program of National Library of Medicine's MEDLARS system. Based on sample of 6,759 searches, the study analyzes frequency of various commands, classifies messages issued by system, and investigates searcher error rates. Suggestions for redesigning program and query language are noted. Seven references…

Describes the digitization projects being undertaken by publishers to provide long runs of back issues of newspapers and journal articles, and the necessary indexing tools, to meet the need for older materials. Discusses search capabilities, links, the addition of metadata, and usage statistics. (LRW)

This survey of online search service centers in Canada was conducted to provide data on these centers and, more specifically, on the characteristics of the human search intermediary; and to provide an accurate overall picture of online searching in Canada. The survey questionnaires were mailed to approximately 765 Canadian customers of seven…

This third article in a series describes a study that investigated database selection behavior of end-users of the EasyNet Scan feature in the areas of social sciences and arts and humanities. Databases are ranked in order of user selection, and variables that influence file selection are briefly discussed. (Three references) (LRW)

The first article describes SPORT, a database providing international coverage of athletics and physical education, and compares it to other online services in terms of coverage, thesauri, possible search strategies, and actual usage. The second article reviews available online information on sports medicine. (CLB)