‘That doesn’t look like I thought it would’: A study into the effectiveness of picture book cataloguing at the University of Canterbury Library

Abstract

Research problem: This study explores the topic of whether or not library catalogues are meeting the needs of different user groups. This is narrowed down to focus on early childhood teaching students at the University of Canterbury and how they select picture books using the University’s library catalogue. In doing so it identifies what metadata this group look for when selecting an item and found that these are not reflected in the current catalogue.

Methodology: This took a qualitative approach which combined structured interviews with the verbal protocol analyses method in a three-part approach. Participants were asked a series of questions during the first and second parts, then asked to think out loud as they selecting items during the second stage. Throughout this process no prompts were provided from the researcher in an attempt to capture their natural thoughts.

Results and Implications: Data collected showed that early childhood teaching students have specific needs when selecting picture books which impacts the type of metadata they are drawn to. These are a result for the need to find books which entertain and engage young children while aligning with the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. It was found that these needs are not reflected in current picture book records at the University of Canterbury which creates challenges when selecting items. Understanding the behavior of this user group can help to inform cataloguers at the University of Canterbury to create or edit records to improve the selection process. On a wider level, there is the potential to explore this topic in future studies to support libraries in creating systems which reflect the needs of their users.