It is evident from previous research that user satisfaction is a multidimensional, subjective variable which can be affected by many factors other than performance of the system or searcher. This article draws on information retrieval and information systems literature in an attempt to understand what user satisfaction is, how it is measured, what factors affect it, and why findings on user satisfaction have been so varied and contradictory. It concludes with recommendations for future investigation of the use of user satisfaction as a measure of system performance.
Cultural sustainability has become a growing priority within sustainable development agendas, and is now often depicted as a fourth pillar, equal to social, economic, and environmental concerns. Museums and libraries play a unique role within cultural sustainability by preserving their communities' heritage. However, sustainability policy and research within these sectors still tends to focus on the social, economic, and environmental pillars. This article provides a critique of sustainability policy and research for museums and libraries. It argues that more explicit coverage of cultural sustainability is required to not only improve the contributions of museums and libraries to cultural sustainability, but also to provide an increased understanding and appreciation of the value of these institutions necessary for their continued survival.
This research seeks to contribute to understanding of peer-based models of information literacy training, through gathering insights from peer trainers (champions) in a scheme designed to promote the use of a national health and social care information portal, Evidence Search (ES), amongst university students in mainly in the health professions. Specifically, this article focuses on the benefits and learning that the peer trainers derive from their involvement in the scheme. This article reports on focus groups conducted with student champions. Findings suggest that champions believe that they have learnt a lot about information searching and evaluation from their engagement as champions, as well as developing their teaching, planning and organisational skills. They now reported using Evidence Search as a first port-of-call for information for an assignment, although they still used Google. Students' choice of queries for their training session was influenced by their recent experience with study units or placements. In addition, many acted as advocates, making recommendations to friends (for study) or colleagues (in practice settings). Questionnaire data showed that champions regarded Evidence Search as credible, trustworthy and reliable, and that their approach to searching for and evaluating information is that of an expert.
Large amounts of digital cultural heritage (CH) information have become available over the past years, requiring more powerful exploration systems than just a search box. The PATHS system aims to provide an environment in which users can successfully explore a large, unknown collection through two modalities: following existing paths to learn about what is available and then freely exploring.
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