Research Article: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

Note: We first shared a link to the following article when it was made available as a preprint during May 2012.
The published version is now available.

Title

Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

Authors

Andrew D. Asher
Indiana University 
Lynda M. Duke
Illinois Wesleyan University 
Suzanne Wilson
Illinois Wesleyan University

Source

College and Research Libraries
September 2013
Vol. 74, No. 5

Abstract

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

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Filed under: Academic Libraries, Data Files, EBSCO, Libraries, News