Users' behaviour patterns in academic libraries' OPACs: a multivariate statistical analysis

Malliari, Aphrodite; Kyriaki‐Manessi, Daphne

doi:10.1108/03074800710735311

Cited by 17 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Similar results were reported by Lau and Goh (2006), Malliari and Kyriaki-Manessi (2007), Antell and Huang (2008), Coonan (2008), Hunter (2011) and Schlembach et al (2013). These studies revealed that OPAC users prefer to search for known items such as title, name of author and keywords.…”

Section: Related Studiessupporting

confidence: 92%

“…These three search options accounted for over 83% of all search queries. Preferences for title, author and keyword search options have also been reported in other studies such as Kyriaki-Manessi (2007); and Vorster (2012). However, in this respect this study contrasts with results reported by other studies such as Villén-Rueda et al (2007), Lau and Goh (2006), Antell and Huang (2008), Coonan (2008), Hunter (2011) and Schlembach et al (2013), which established that users prefer to search for known items mainly by author and title.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…Studies have recommended improving OPAC search functionalities, providing training to users or migrating to a new system (Malliari and Kyriaki-Manessi, 2007), integrating spell-check and more flexible syntax functionalities to reduce the number of search failures (Waller, 2010), and designing LCSH cross references and pathfinder record functionalities to improve system information retrievability (Graham, 2004).…”

Section: Related Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding user-system interactions

Ndumbaro

2017

Information Development

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This paper presents findings of a study that examines how the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) of the University of Dar es Salaam library is used; the extent to which users succeed in locating information; and the reasons behind search failure. OPAC transaction logs were collected unobtrusively between January and December 2015, which were then subjected to transaction log analysis. The results indicate a relatively low use of OPAC, with default keyword search, author, title and subject terms being the most preferred access points. Only 102,037 (19.2%) of the search queries received zero hits. Reasons for search failure were multiple. They included spelling mistakes, use of wrong syntax, searching in inappropriate search fields, users' lack of knowledge of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and materials unavailability. Thus, the paper suggests redesigning OPAC interface to include features of the 'next generation' catalogue and exposing users to evidence-based information literacy.

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Section: Related Studiessupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Section: Related Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding user-system interactions

Ndumbaro

2017

Information Development

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“…And many students prefer to use search engines to conduct their searches (Urquhart et al, 2005), using them frequently—Google in particular (Urquhart & Rowley, 2007). Familiarity, along with experience, in using OPACs is also important for the quality of the searches performed (Malliari & Kyriaki‐Manessi, 2007). Not only do students choose familiar resources, but some students have been found to be unwilling to try the unfamiliar unless it is required (Urquhart & Rowley).…”

Section: Background and Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the field of library and information studies (LIS), spelling in OPAC searching has been examined primarily to determine the number of bibliographic records that contain typographical errors (e.g., Beall & Kafadar, 2007; Randall, 1999), or it has been treated mainly as a typographical input error similar to improper search syntax, rather than a more substantive user issue (e.g., Yee, 1991). When spelling has been examined in studies of users' searching behaviors, this has typically occurred through transaction log analysis of OPAC searches that examine the frequency of misspellings (e.g., Blecic, Dorsch, Koenig, & Bangalore, 1998; Blecic et al, 1999; Drabenstott, & Weller, 1996a; Drabenstott & Weller, 1996b; Malliari & Kyriaki‐Manessi, 2007), rather than studies of the individuals themselves who are making the mistakes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of spelling and retrieval system familiarity on search behavior in online public access catalogs: A mixed methods study

Willson

Given

2010

J. Am. Soc. Inf. Sci.

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Although technology can often correct spelling errors, the complex tasks of information searching and retrieval in an online public access catalog (OPAC) are made more difficult by these errors in users' input and bibliographic records. This study examines the search behaviors of 38 university students, divided into groups with either easyto-spell or difficult-to-spell search terms, who were asked to find items in the OPAC with these search terms. Search behaviors and strategy use in the OPAC and on the World Wide Web (WWW) were examined. In general, students used familiar Web resources to check their spelling or discover more about the assigned topic. Students with difficult-to-spell search terms checked spelling more often, changed search strategies to look for the general topic and had fewer successful searches. Students unable to find the correct spelling of a search term were unable to complete their search. Students tended to search the OPAC as they would search a search engine, with few search terms or complex search strategies. IntroductionSearching for information is a complex task, particularly for novice searchers. There are numerous, interrelated factors that affect the efficacy of online searches. Some of these factors relate to information retrieval (IR) system design (e.g., Borgman, 1996, discusses access points and technical skills); others relate to search query formulation The ability to spell words correctly is a literacy skill that is essential but nearly invisible. Effective communication skills-from writing a memo, to searching for information in a directory, or sending an e-mail message-rely on appropriate spelling skills. Indeed, many guides to professional communication note the importance of editing skills to ensure that documents are error-free and communicate the intended message to the reader (e.g., Ross & Dewdney, 1998). In online environments, misspellings may lead searchers to miss important information or believe that very little information exists on a given topic. Despite the advent of spell checkers, spelling continues to be an important aspect of online searching as spell checkers may not recognize mistakes or may make incorrect spelling suggestions. In searching OPACs, spelling is especially important to consider in assessing users' searching skills, as most systems do not include spell-checking functions, leaving many misspellings to go unnoticed. Unfortunately, spelling is not often studied in examinations of effective IR strategies. In the field of library and information studies (LIS), spelling in OPAC searching has been examined primarily to determine the number of bibliographic records that contain typographical errors (e.g., Beall & Kafadar, 2007;Randall, 1999) improper search syntax, rather than a more substantive user issue (e.g., Yee, 1991). When spelling has been examined in studies of users' searching behaviors, this has typically occurred through transaction log analysis of OPAC searches that examine the frequency of misspellings (e.g., Blecic, Dorsch, Koenig, ...

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et al. 2010

J. Am. Soc. Inf. Sci.

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