Enhancing CD-ROM Searches with Online Updates: An Examination of End-User Needs, Strategies, and Problems
Susan K. Charles, Katharine E. Clark · College & Research Libraries · 1990
Many academic researchers are interested in obtaining the most current information available when conducting computerized literature searches. A research project was conducted to evalu-ate the feasibility of providing an online updating service to end-users searching CD-ROM databases. Searchers using Silver Platter's Agricola database were asked to participate in the study. End-user searching strategies were observed and problems were noted. Factors such as cost-effectiveness and convenience were also studied. Data and observations indicate that end-users are interested in the availability of a low-cost, hybridized CD-ROM / online updating sys-tem. Conclusions are drawn concerning the future direction of online updating systems for end-users. t a growing number of research institutions, CD-ROM data-bases are becoming increas-ingly important, high-profile tools for conducting literature searches and represent the trend to streamline end-