ANALYSIS OF USERS SEARCHES OF CD-ROM DATABASES IN THE NATIONAL AND UNIVERSITY-LIBRARY IN ZAGREB

This study investigates the behavior of two groups with different degr ee of independence in the search of CD-ROM databases (PsyLit and BIOSI S, SPIRS software). In the group A were users who needed only some tec hnical assistance in communication with a computer/database, while the members of the group B searched CD-ROM databases completely independe ntly. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and transaction l ogs of search strategies. Statistical data support the hypothesis that the two groups differ both in their experience and frequency in using computer. However, by the analysis of variables used in search strate gies/tactics i.e. a) variables relating to the knowledge of search sys tems and syntax, b) variables defining the search strategies (number o f words, concepts, steps, and cycles), c) variables regarding the qual itative indicators (clarity, specificity and complexity of determined strategies in relation to search topic title, and errors) and search r esults variables (number of retrieved references, number of relevant r eferences, search precision, and results with zero hits) we did not ob tain statistically significant difference in the user behavior. Both g roups used facilities for a more comprehensive and successful search t hey were offered on-screen to a low degree. Results obtained by this r esearch show that end-user education is necessary for CD-ROM database searching, although CD-ROM is primarily designed for end-users. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science Ltd.