Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate and compare user search activities of two discovery tools at an academic library. The implementation of a new discovery tool (Primo by Ex Libris) to replace an existing system (VuFind) provided a unique opportunity to collect transaction logs of both systems and examine user search behavior in an empirical test. Results from a transaction log analysis and a user study of this study have contributed to the understanding of users’ search behavior and their preferences and perceptions of the two systems. We find both commonalities and differences between VuFind and Primo for users’ interactions. The combination use of the transaction log analysis and user study could be applied to other similar search systems assessments.
Keywords
transaction logs, discovery tool, user search activity, usability testing, faceted search interface
Date of this Version
2014
DOI
10.1080/10447318.2013.873281
Recommended Citation
Niu, Xi; Zhang, Tao; and Chen, Hsin-liang, "Study of User Search Activities with Two Discovery Tools at an Academic Library" (2014). Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research. Paper 106.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2013.873281
Comments
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article: Niu, X., Zhang, T., and Chen, H. (2014). Study of User Search Activities with Two Discovery Tools at an Academic Library. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 30(5), 422-433. http://dx/doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2013.873281 as published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 2014 copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/10447318.2013.873281.