To read this content please select one of the options below:

Assessing the IBSS database from a novice user perspective

Suzanne Lockyer (Library and Information Statistics Unit, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)
Claire Creaser (Library and Information Statistics Unit, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)
J. Eric Davies (Library and Information Statistics Unit, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)

The Electronic Library

ISSN: 0264-0473

Article publication date: 1 September 2006

462

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology used in the 2004 user survey of the International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of users of the IBSS was combined with hands‐on sessions with novice users of the system at three UK universities. The online survey was a structured questionnaire aimed at experienced users, whilst the hands‐on sessions sought more qualitative data on the novice users' reported and observed use of the IBSS.

Findings

In addition to data specific to each part of the study, the findings from the online survey and hands‐on survey showed some convergence, strengthening the value of the overall results. In particular, the demand for full text links and the advantage of some user training were features of both parts of the study.

Originality/value

This was neither an in‐house survey nor an academic investigation, but a project undertaken for a client, and thus subject to the client's specifications and a strict time‐scale. The request for hands‐on sessions in addition to the usual online survey required design of an instrument which could elicit the maximum amount of data within the time available (about two hours at each institution).

Keywords

Citation

Lockyer, S., Creaser, C. and Eric Davies, J. (2006), "Assessing the IBSS database from a novice user perspective", The Electronic Library, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 590-607. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470610707213

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles