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Dissertation Information for Margaret Geraldene Walker

NAME:
- Margaret Geraldene Walker

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Syracuse University (USA) (1988)

ADVISORS:
- Michael Eisenberg

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Inspected

Title: A comparative evaluation and analysis of end user search performance in an academic environment

Abstract: Online searching has traditionally been regarded as an area of professional expertise for the trained intermediary and early attempts to interest users in self-searching had limited success. But the last decade has seen a proliferation of online search systems and a diversification of modes of access. Menu-based frontend interfaces have simplified not only the system protocols, but also the search process itself, and many libraries are using these new systems to provide end-user access to online information.

This study investigated the searches performed by a self-selected user population (N = 45) in an academic environment, using the BRS/After Dark search system. Two searches were performed for each query, one by the information-seeker in person and one by a trained intermediary. Performance measures, based on a comparison of the two search outputs, provide an evaluation in terms of both effectiveness (precision and recall) and efficiency (connect time and cost-effectiveness). These measures are supplemented by an analysis of precision and recall failures for a random sample of the queries, which provides information regarding the causes of search failure.

No significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of either precision or recall, though results for both groups varied widely. However, end-users took twice as long as intermediaries to perform their searches, and since cost-effectiveness is a function of the relationship between time and performance, it showed significant differences. All search process variables also showed significant differences between the two groups, indicating wide discrepancies in searching styles.

Failure analysis established that there were almost equal numbers of precision and recall failures and that they were almost equally divided among end-users and intermediaries. Search vocabulary was identified as the overwhelming source for the majority of both precision (75%) and recall (77%) failures. Choice of database, Boolean logic, the system itself and failures in the judging of relevance all accounted for minimal failures individually.

The findings confirm the feasibility of direct end-user searching and suggest that the further identification and development of features to simplify the search process will have a major effect on the acceptability and effectiveness of online searching in the future.


MPACT Scores for Margaret Geraldene Walker

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:11:47

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Students under Margaret Geraldene Walker

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None