Next generation catalogues: an analysis of user search strategies and behavior

The movement from online catalogues to search and discovery systems has not addressed the goals of true resource discoverability. While catalogue user studies have focused on user search and discovery processes and experiences, and construction and manipulation of search queries, little insight is given to how searchers interact with search features of next generation catalogues. Better understanding of user experiences can help guide informed decisions when selecting and implementing new systems. In this study, fourteen graduate students completed a set of information seeking tasks using UIUC's VuFind installation. Observations of these interactions elicited insight into both search feature use and user understanding of the function of features. Participants used the basic search option for most searches. This is because users understand that basic search draws from a deep index that always gives results regardless of search terms; and because it is convenient, appearing at every level of the search, thus reducing effort and shortening search time. Participants rarely used advanced search but selected it as a secondary alternative, especially when searching for local library or print collections. Participants understand an online catalogue as a list of library holdings that provides access to local print collections; and offers options for refining voluminous result sets. Participants frequently used author, title, subject, keywords; and citation, search within, print, save, e-mailing, fulltext download that offered clear alternatives to searching and search reformulation respectively. Such features are familiar to users from past search experiences and puts them in control of the system. Participants understand the function of VuFind features based on their perception and preference that: VuFind will give relevant and current information because of the large collection size at UIUC; because of their prior experiences with quick, minimal effort search reformulation strategies; and VuFind‘s large result sets, presented in systematic and logical order. The evidence confirms that information tasks guide and shape the way searchers select and use system features. Participant search processes change during and after using a specific system. Alternatives to improve the design of more robust search features are proposed

Successful resource sharing in academic and research libraries in Illinois: Lessons for developing countries

With diminishing finances, it is rarely possible for a library or information center to have enough resources to fulfill the needs of its clients. Libraries working under effective collaborative initiatives in developed countries have registered tremendous success compared to libraries in developing countries. There is a growing need for libraries in developing countries to redefine their resource sharing strategies so as to benefit from library collaboration that can result in a more effective means of meeting the needs of their library users. This thesis looks at issues surrounding the factors that have led to successful resource sharing among academic and research libraries in developed countries and how to practically apply such success factors to improve collaboration among academic and research libraries in developing countries. Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) and Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) are the focus in this research. Emphasis has been placed on the establishment of consortium leadership, the sharing of responsibility and decision making processes, sources of consortium funding, the role and responsibility of participating member libraries and their contributions to and expectations from the consortium. Consortium leadership, the perceived need for cost effectiveness, quick and efficient delivery of library materials, electronic resources brokering, reciprocal borrowing, and shared integrated library system are key factors in providing a strong consortium framework. Consortium history, culture to volunteer, building trust in members, accountability, and innovativeness are necessary steps towards a successful library consortium.unpublishedis peer reviewe