Research Paper: Search Strategies of Library Search Experts

From researchers in Estonia.

Title

Search Strategies of Library Search Experts

Authors

Kristiina Singer, University of Tartu
Georg Singer, University of Tartu
Krista Lepik, University of Tartu
Ulrich Norbisrath, University of Tartu
Pille Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt, University of Tartu

Source

via arXiv

Abstract

Search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing are an excellent support for finding documents, but this strength also imposes a limitation. As they are optimized for document retrieval tasks, they perform less well when it comes to more complex search needs. Complex search tasks are usually described as open-ended, abstract and poorly defined information needs with a multifaceted character. In this paper we will present the results of an experiment carried out with information professionals from libraries and museums in the course of a search contest. The aim of the experiment was to analyze the search strategies of experienced information workers trying to tackle search tasks of varying complexity and get qualitative results on the impact of time pressure on such an experiment.

Direct to Full Text (6 pages; PDF)
Includes bibliography.

Filed under: Journal Articles, Libraries, Resources