1st Reading Assignment LIS 260

An investigation of user attitudes toward search engines as an information retrieval tool by Shu-Sheng Liawa and Hsiu-Mei Huang

Source:

Liawa, Shu-Sheng. "An investigation of user attitudes toward search engines as an information retrieval tool" Computers in Human Behavior. 19 (2003) 751–765. Science Direct. Retrieved June 30, 2009

http://www.sciencedirect.com/

Exact URL:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VDC-4811TNB-C&_user=3728211&_coverDate=11%2F30%2F2003&_alid=947133209&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=5979&_sort=r&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=265&_acct=C000061230&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=3728211&md5=48339fe78cc5d06ccd188b5c73e2c24a

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Abstract

The article discusses the factors that affect user attitudes towards search engines as an information retrieval tool. It explains how the main uses of computers, with the growth of the internet, in information retrieval. It hypothesizes that factors such as the quality of search systems, individual computer and Internet experience and personal motivation can be considered to predict these attitudes. The research mainly used questionnaires for gathering data. The results showed that computers are mainly used for information retrieval rather than for word processing and data storage. Also, it showed that users who enjoyed using search engines regard that search engine to be easy to use and will use it again. The article concluded that the research results were consistent with earlier studies. These past studies showed that users’ attitudes toward system quality predict whether they like that system or feel easy to use that system and that effective implementation of information retrieval systems depends whether or not users will have a positive attitude towards it.

3 things I learned from the article:

- Computer experience is one of the factors that determine a user’ perceptions to search engines.

- The quality of an information system and its accuracy of delivered results are relevant to its success.

- Search services on the Web are of two types: directory services and query-based

Application/Implication of the things I learned

I can personally apply the findings in the article in my line of work as a librarian. A huge part of my role consists of assisting the library clientele retrieve information using our library’s tools and resources. Knowing factors such as the quality of the search systems and the users’ individual computer and internet experience and motivation can help me to facilitate better the users. For example, we can consider the accuracy of results delivered by the library’s OPAC as a factor contributing to the users’ experience. On the other hand we can also consider the frequency of clients using the OPAC to determine its usefulness. Other things like user motivation can be considered in building the library’s collection. For the most part, the engineering library II is geared towards Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Computer Science students. Thus their motivation is having their homework done and preparing for exams. As a librarian, I can build the collection around these needs and propagate a strong learning environment so as to foster a positive attitude from our main clients, the students.