The Use of Search strategies in OPAC: A Comparative Study of IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur and Kashmir University (original) (raw)
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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.
Next Generation of Catalogues: A Comparative Analysis of OPACs of University Libraries in India
The Next Generation Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), generally termed as OPAC 2.0, is the results of continuous rethinking and reworking to make the information retrieval more effective, efficient and elegant with improved searching experiences. This paper attempts to list the OPAC functionalities by studying the OPAC 2.0 features available in representatives of all three types of software-commercial, open source and free. This paper attempts to compare the features available in the OPAC of ten universities against the listed expectations. Effort is also made to understand the level of OPAC 2.
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.
2012
The paper evaluates and compares the features and functionalities of OPACs in university libraries of Chandigarh and Punjab, to identify whether these OPACs are offering searching capabilities and facilities in accordance with present days, rapid paced, digital age and IT-based society. The findings reveal that although all these OPACs under study provide basic search options and facilities, but an evaluation of the checklist features indicates shortcomings that continue to persist among them. System designers have as yet not exploited the latest technology inputs for better utilization of OPACs. Therefore, libraries have to rethink the application of advanced web technologies to make the OPACs efficiently functional, usable and attractive for users of the fast changing technology era to access information on OPAC in a modern technological environment.
International Conference on Empowering Minds Collaborative Learning Platform for Teachers, Librarians and Researchers (AGNESLIBCONF 2024), 2024
This study aimed to identify effective methods of using the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) among library users, ultimately contributing to enhancing the existing OPAC system. The study was conducted through Google Forms distributed to various Teacher Training Colleges in Goa, India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using quantitative methods, predominantly employing percentage analysis. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents are aware of the OPAC i.e. 63.7% and 36.3% opined that they are not aware of it. The most common sources of awareness about OPAC included library orientations (28.4%), learning from library staff (26.6%), self-learning (6.5%), and learning from friends and colleagues (5.9%). Majority of patrons found desired results through OPAC search (52.7%), while a notable portion did not use OPAC (44.4%) or did not find desired results (2.9%) through book placement. The findings highlight a substantial awareness of OPAC but reveal a disparity between awareness and actual utilization. Improving user education, enhancing technical infrastructure, simplifying OPAC design, and ensuring accurate book placement are critical for enhancing OPAC utilization and user satisfaction. Personalized training programs and user-friendly enhancements to OPAC systems can bridge the knowledge gap and improve overall user experiences in accessing library resources.
ONLINE PUBLIC ACCESS CATALOGUE (OPAC) USAGE PATTERNS AMONG THE LIBRARY USERS OF ODISHA: A STUDY
This paper is aimed at presenting the results of a survey conducted to determine the usage patterns of OPAC among the library users of higher educational institutions in the state of Odisha. An attempt has been made here to assess usage pattern in terms of awareness, the frequency of use, the purpose of use, search pattern, success in locating items and problems faced while using OPAC. Total 380 questionnaires were selected for the study out of the 393 filled questionnaires received. The data received from the respondents is analyzed using simple percentage approach. The findings of the study revealed that OPAC usage rate is quite low among the library users of Odisha. However, the users who use OPAC most frequently conduct title and author searches. The majority of the respondents indicated that they were moderately successful in locating documents through OPAC. It is also found that most of the users are unaware of the all the facility available in the OPAC and encounter problem while searching. Some of the problems observed from the study includes:difficulty in query formation, maximum time search failure, no scope for spelling correction, inadequate instruction in the OPAC software, OPAC not functioning properly and lack of proper guidance from the library staff. Hence, the study suggested that improvement of OPAC functionality is the urgent need for the effective and proper utilization of OPAC.
The use of OPAC in a large academic library: a transactional log analysis study of subject searching
The Journal of Academic …, 2007
The analysis of user searches in catalogs has been the topic of research for over four decades, involving numerous studies and diverse methodologies. The present study looks at how different types of users effect queries in the catalog of a university library. For this purpose, we analyzed log files to determine which was the most frequent type of search conducted among different user types. Results show that searches by browsing are similar in frequency to the analytical queries, and that only 14 percent of queries actually specify the subject heading.
This study aimed to investigate the usage, user satisfaction and native problems of OPACs in Sri Lankan university libraries. Primary data was collected from 570 users comprising faculty members and students of the six universities. A questionnaire, online survey and participatory observation were used as the data collection tools to obtain information about the OPAC. The data thus collected was analyzed with the help of basic statistical measures to present finding in percentages and ranking formats. Primary data revealed that OPAC has to be developed much more than the stages in which it was introduced to the Sri Lankan university system in 2000. Further, facilities provided with the system were insufficient and majority of users unaware about them. In addition to that, it demonstrated OPACs possessed in primary stages this situation caused to dissatisfaction with users and staff members. Appropriate and continues training for users and staff members, technological advancement and the native language searching facilities can overcome the identified problems. This is a pioneering work in Sri Lanka studying the quality and problems of the OPACs. Since some libraries in Sri Lanka are going for the OPACs, this study could influence to policy and decision makers to implement effective OPACs in Sri Lanka. Keeping in perspective the approach of skillful users and their user behavior, this research suggests recommendation for user-friendly OPACs included simplistic search strategies for university libraries in Sri Lanka.
Problems in Searching Online Databases: A Case Study of Select Central University Libraries in India
2011
The purpose of this paper is to investigate and determine the different challenges faced by the searchers of online database in selected central university libraries in India. Eight central universities in India were chosen on the basis of the bandwidth utilisation (higher to lowest in each group). A total of 302 library users filled in the questionnaires (out of 320 approached) in the survey all eight central university libraries across India. It finds that easy and understandable content pages are the most desirable by the users; site feasibility is directly proportional to users interaction; and the retrieval techniques vary from subject to subject. This paper affirms that the databases should be selected on the basis of their retrieval aspects and the online features. The publisher of the online databases can not overlook the retrieval features in the databases. Easy and simple retrieval features can fetch more subscribers for the vendors and publishers. This is a comprehensive study that provides statistical data on searching/retrieval problem of online databases in different central universities in India.