Library online catalogues : a qualitative study of OPAC end-users at a large public library

Abstract

Each generation of online library catalogues brings new challenges for end-users. This study builds on existing literature that divides the information seeking process into three areas: conceptual, semantic and technical abilities. This research uses observation and interviews to study end-user search processes at a large urban public library. The search process needs to be understood in order to plan user education programmes, search tips and better system design. Particular problems were matching subject headings and user's reaching their 'futility point'. Some semantic problems were caused by the computer system. It is important that systems give consistent results and adequate definitions of their search types.