Searching for information in an online public access catalogue (OPAC): the impacts of information search expertise on the use of Boolean operators (original) (raw)
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Influence of computer literacy and online searching
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The exponential growth of information resources on the Web have necessitate the need for computer literacy and online searching skills to enhance easy access to and use of academic materials in university libraries for more productivity. The study adopted a Survey research design. Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study, and descriptive statistical method was used in analyzing the data collected and simple random sampling techniques were used to administer the questionnaire. The findings revealed that 88% of the respondents are computer literate which they acquire mainly through formal computer and IT training programme and are proficient on the use of Microsoft word, PowerPoint and Excel. Also, the study shows that majority of the students don't use Boolean logic in search of academic materials online. And that low speed access, inadequate computer system in the library and fluctuation of Internet services are the major challenges. The study recommends that university libraries should provide proper training on online searching skill, efficient Internet service and adequate computer system in the library.
The Use of Search Strategies in OPAC: A Comparative Study of Central Library, IIT Delhi; P
International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science, 2012
Automated cataloguing has greatly enhanced the search and retrieval operations of libraries. The online computerized catalogue popularly known as OPAC lets to search the terms of user's choice throughout the database of the holdings of a particular library. Users can make choice from a menu of different options through simple, advance, phrase searching, etc. in OPAC. In order to find out the use of search strategies in OPAC, the investigators have adopted survey method for present study. Under survey method, questionnaire and interview tools were used for collecting the necessary data. The present study reveals that a large number of users are using simple search and lesser number use advance searching. It is worthwhile to note that advance search facilities in OPAC enhance user's satisfaction by providing filtered, high recall and high precision results. Although, the results of present study reveal that there is no significant difference in using simple search in OPAC among the users of select libraries. Nevertheless, the users of select IITs have taken a clear cut lead in using the advance search facilities in OPAC than the users of Kashmir University. The findings of this study will help the select libraries to take appropriate steps in providing effective short term training course for the maximum utilization of advance search facilities in OPAC. In addition, it will also render a helping hand to other libraries to enhance the usage of OPAC.
The Use of Information Retrieval Tools: a Study of Computer Science Postgraduate Students
Students may seek information for various reasons such as to understand a specific subject matter or to conduct a research. In this digital age, they may not have a problem to find information. However, they are having problem to find scholarly information that suits their learning needs. This is because they are having difficulties to find the scholarly information that suitable for their learning styles. The objectives of this research are (a) to investigate information retrieval tools that students use to find scholarly information; (b) to compare the tools in terms of access, search techniques, and search facilities and (c) to propose architecture of information retrieval tool for learning needs. Therefore, this research investigates several information retrieval tools such as Online Public Access Catalogues (OPAC), Internet search engine, online databases and digital libraries. Survey questionnaire was conducted on 129 postgraduate's students of Faculty of Science Computer and Information Technology, University of Malaya. They were chosen because of their level of education and their proficiency in using IT infrastructure. The quantitative data were analyzed using statistical program SPSS. The result shows that postgraduate students having difficulties in finding information that suitable to their learning style using available information retrieval tools.
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series , 2018
Search engines have become an integral part of student learning activities. This study aims to see how the use of search engines by students, especially by students of the Library and Information Science Program, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. This study uses the mixed method. The research data was obtained through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations and literature studies. The results of the study showed that in learning activities, the respondents used search engines to find the references for college assignments and thesis writing material. The students also use search engines to meet daily information needs, solve problems, increase knowledge, reduce doubts, clarify things, entertain, fulfill curiosity about others,etc. The retrieval technique used by students is by using keywords/queries, Boolean logic, query strategies in the form of a brief search and using the advanced search feature. This research is expected to contribute to the university in supporting online-based learning facilities for students.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE PUBLIC ACCESS CATALOGUE IN ENHANCING INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Global Review of Library and Information Science , 2024
The study explored the effectiveness of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in enhancing information retrieval in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library (NAL), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). It ascertained whether OPAC in NAL is meeting the expectations of users in terms of facilitating effective information retrieval and access to the library resources. Three research questions guided the study. The study uses a descriptive survey research design. A total of seven hundred and seventy-four (774) users formed the population of the study. This population cut across all levels and modes of study in the university. The data for the research was gathered using questionnaire which was generated in line with the research objectives and distributed among the students. The collected data were analysed using frequency and percentage. From the analysis, the findings revealed that good number of users believe that there is lack of awareness of the advantages of OPAC over traditional catalogue system, and there is lack of information search skills that affect the ability to use OPAC. The users were also challenged by limited access to internet network of which without it, OPAC use will not be efficiently utilized. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the library should increase the awareness of OPAC services among the university community. It also recommended that the librarians should always be available to assist user on how to use the library OPAC.
Information Retrieval Techniques used by the Midnapore College (Autonomous) Library Users: A Study
2014
This paper aims to present the results of a survey conducted to determine the information retrieval techniques used by the teachers and students of Midnapore College library. The paper examines the result from a questionnaire-based survey conducted at the library. 100 samples of the questionnaire were distributed randomly between the staff and students of the college out of which 93 completed and received for analysis. The study reveals that a significant number of users search information regarding the library material through OPAC despite encountering problems. Lack of basic skills among users was found to be the major reason for not utilizing full features of OPAC, improper query formulation and non use of search operators while surf the web. It is suggested that library should organize quality instruction programmes to improve knowledge and skills of the users.
Exploring the unknown: a study of expert use of a digital library Suzette Keith
In a detailed study, working with experienced librarians, we investigated strategiesused to seek information on a complex and unfamiliar topic, and the support offered by thedigital library features. The activity was analysed using existing models of information seeking; while the patterns of behaviour identified match the general structure of existing models, wefound details that are not well covered by those models. The searches were highly interactiveand reactive. In addition, in this context, query reformulation was key to success; ...
Introduction. This paper presents a qualitative exploration of university students' experience of searching an online public access catalogue. The study investigated how students conceptualise their searching process, as well as how students understand themselves as seekers of information. Method. Following a search task, thirty-eight university students were interviewed using a qualitative, semi-structured interview design. The interviews explored students' experience of searching, conceptualised aspects of their searches, their information seeking strategies, confidence in searching, and any difficulties encountered. Analysis. The interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach. The analysis involved iterative review and constant comparison of the transcripts, including line-by-line open coding followed by a second round of focused coding. Results. The results of the project present an emergent theory that explores a set of conceptual patterns in students' searching mental model of online systems, a typology of searchers' perceptions of their information retrieval skills (i.e., their searcher self-concept), and categorisation of types of searchers. Conclusion. With increased knowledge of how students conceptualise their search process and view themselves as seekers of information, educators and information professionals can work more effectively with students to search for the literature
INFORMATION SEARCH STRATEGY IN KOHA AND LIBSYS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
The present study compares the differences in search strategy between Koha and Libsys while searching documents even by holding the same title. This study reveals the differences occur at the time of searching a document through OPAC. With the help of this study the library users can easily attempt to search a document by using an appropriate search technique in order to get relevant information by saving their valuable time.