Retrieval by reformulation in two library catalogs: Toward a cognitive model of searching behavior

Abstract

Twenty subjects were assigned information problems to solve through searching a university card catalog and twenty were assigned the same problems to solve in a comparable online catalog. The study was designed to test hypotheses derived from a psychological theory of remembering known as retrieval by reformulation, and to observe behavioral differences while searching the two catalogs. Verbal protocols were used to identify reformulations and to operationalize further the theoretical construct "reformulation." Greater perseverance and more frequent search reformulations were associated with the online catalog, while larger retrieval sets and more favorable search assessments were associated with the card catalog. No significant differences were found on most attitudinal measures. Post hoc analyses examined include overlap of sets of retrieved items variance associated with the use of test questions.This study investigates the information-seeking behavior of users in two university library catalogs containing similar information in two formats -a card catalog and an online catalog (OPAC).* The study was intended not to evaluate the two catalogs, but to explore whether a theory of human remembering, retrieval by reformulation, might be useful in explaining searching behavior in bibliographic databases. The focus of the study is users and in particular, the effect on their behavior of two library systems that differed in format, but not in content. A university library's catalog was selected as an appropriate site to examine these differences since it exemplifies one instance of informationseeking in which library users access directly the system that represents the library's collection. By emphasizing users and their searching processes, the study was aimed at developing a user-centered approach to searching behavior in libraries.The impetus for the investigation described here came from personal experiences searching for information in libraries. Whether seeking information as a library user, as a reference librarian, or as a student in the field of library and information studies, the necessity of adjusting to the library's way of representing knowledge can act as a barrier to success and satisfaction. One of the most common sites for information-seeking behavior in libraries is the library catalog.Library catalogs, both in their traditional card format and the recent electronic version, represent the library's collection to the user. Exactly how

Constructing an index of search goal redefinition through transaction log analysis

“…It has been recommended by several researchers, such as Dalrymple (1990), that TLA be combined with other methods, such as the interview or questionnaire, where questions are directed at users to elicit their thoughts and intentions. However, this does not mean that we need to demarcate different methods for different research questions.…”

Search goal redefinition through user‐system interaction

“…Another study that coded search reformulations is described by Dalrymple (1990). Instead of dialogue, Dalrymple's coding is based on the search terms themselves, according to a protocol analysis (monologue).…”

Evidence‐based practice in search interface design

“…Some have investigated the effects of different levels of domain knowledge on either the search outcomes or the search process (Allen, 1991;Hsieh-Yee, 1993;Marchionini, Dwiggins, Katz, & Lin, 1993;Wildemuth, de Bliek, Friedman, & File, 1995), while others have focused on the level of searching expertise and its effects on search outcomes and process (Bhavnani, 2002;Hsieh-Yee, 1993). Some have attempted to understand the mental models of people as they search (Allen, 1993;Borgman, 1986;Dalrymple, 1990;Dimitroff, 1992;Wildemuth, 1993). These studies were conducted within the context of a number of different kinds of search systems and databases, making it challenging to generalize the results and apply them to the design of Web search engines.…”