ERIC Number: ED243483
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1984-Apr
Pages: 24
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Survey of Online Bibliographic Searching in the Reference Department of a Medium-Sized University Library.
Welch, Jeanie M.
This paper describes the development of online bibliographic searching at Lamar University, a state-supported university in Beaumont, Texas, and the results of a 1983 users' survey evaluating satisfaction with online searching services. Online searching is defined and its advantages and disadvantages are briefly outlined. The equipment used in searching, the training of searchers, administrative procedures, charging practices, and publicity provided for online searching services are described. Two major findings of a survey of 33 users of online services (with a response rate of 67%) are reported: most searches were done in the areas of business, education, science, and technology; and many users stated that less than 50% of the citations generated were useful in their particular research. Recommendations for improving the service focus on equipment, facilities, statistical recordkeeping, continued user evaluation, and revisions of the library's procedures manual. Appendices provide data on the number of searches conducted, the most frequently searched databases, and average search costs by database. A sample search request form, promotional material on online searching, a sample user questionnaire, and a sample statistical recordkeeping form are also provided. (ESR)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A