Web-OPAC and Selected Databases: A Comparative Study of the Searching Effectiveness and Efficiency
Eugenie Ng, Patrick Lo, Owen Tam · ScholarsArchive (Brigham Young University) · 2006
Purpose -the purpose of our study was to find out whether searching for defined information through WebPAC was more efficient and effective than searching directly in alternative databases. Design/Methodology/Approach -30 participants (Lingnan University students) were observed searching the Web-OPAC and 3 other selected databases (NetLibrary, Naxos Music Library & Naxos Spoken Word Library).Participants' different searching behaviours, efficiency, and effectiveness were also observed, measured and recorded.Before and after the searching exercises, a Pre-Search Questionnaire and a Post-Search Questionnaire were used to ask targeted questions for enquiring their searching experiences. Findings -the findings suggested that searching under WebPAC was more efficient and effective.The findings also suggested that the average Lingnan Library users were more familiar with the use of the traditional WebPAC. Research limitations -some limitations include a small sampling size, and all the participants were given only 3 minutes for retrieving 1 title. Originality/Value -this study attempted to evaluate the searching interfaces of the WebPAC and three commercial databases by quantitative measurement.It also looked into end-users' searching preferences and difficulties in searching when using these interfaces.It is instructive for practicing reference and cataloguing librarians, as well as for the OPAC and search interface designers.