The evolution of electronic reference sources
Abstract
Purpose
To provide a historical look at the development of web versions of reference materials and discuss what makes an easy‐to‐use and useful electronic handbook.
Design/methodology/approach
Electronic reference materials were limited to handbooks available on the web. Observations and assumptions about usability are tested with an information retrieval test for specific tasks in print and online editions of the same texts.
Findings
Recommended adoption of those elements which create a well‐designed book in combination with robust search capabilities and online presentation result in an easy‐to‐use and useful electronic reference source.
Research limitations/implications
The small sample size that was used for testing limits the ability to draw conclusions, and is used only as an indication of the differences between models. A more thorough look at difference between electronic book aggregates, such as ENGnetBASE, Knovel® and Referex would highlight the best features for electronic reference materials.
Practical implications
Advantages to particular models for electronic reference publishing are discussed, raising awareness for product evaluation. Areas of development for electronic reference book publishers or providers are identified. Work in these areas would help ensure maximum efficiency through cross title searching via meta‐searching and data manipulation.
Originality/value
The paper presents results from some human computer interaction studies about electronic books which have been implemented in a web interface, and the positive effects achieved.
Keywords
Citation
Van Epps, A.S. (2005), "The evolution of electronic reference sources", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510605214
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited