Undergraduate use of CD-ROM databases: Observations of human-computer interaction and relevance judgments.

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1996

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Elsevier

Abstract

Ten students in a freshman Elementary Composition course were observed as they searched bibliographic databases on a CD-ROM LAN. All were preparing term papers, and were asked to think aloud as they conducted their searches. A total of 329 relevance judgments were made as the students searched an average of 2.7 databases per session. Basic familiarity with computers and a tendency to get out of unproductive searches helped in avoiding problems with the variety of databases and search interfaces. All students found records they chose to print, with relevance judgments often made from information in the controlled vocabulary, title, or abstract. The browse interface was used most often, and its similarity to InfoTrac was helpful. Some students were able to use keyword access effectively, though Wilsondisc's multiterm search required adjustments and adaptation of strategies. SilverPlatter's record display and print functions caused confusion for searchers unfamiliar with this interface. Bibliographic databases on CD-ROM are as common a tool as the photocopier or word processor in writing term papers for today's undergraduate students. While the various search interfaces are touted as easy to use, many librarians find students do not use them intuitively and must have their CD-ROM searching skills developed through bibliographic instruction. Relatively little has been documented about how students actually use these databases, which interface features they select, or where they encounter problems. Better understanding of the successes and failures in CD-ROM searches may suggest ways of improving bibliographic databases, search interfaces, and bibliographic instruction. This information can also be helpful as collection development decisions are made regarding preferred media (CD-ROM, local online files, or vendor services) and search engines for bibliographic databases.

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Shaw, D. (1996). Undergraduate use of CD-ROM databases: Observations of human-computer interaction and relevance judgments. Library & Information Science Research, 18(3), 261-274.

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Article