If We Teach, Do They Learn? The Impact of Instruction on Online Catalog Search Strategies

Abstract

A usability study was undertaken at Penn State University to explore how students search the library's online catalog after they have received library instruction. In 2004, eight first-year students received library instruction and were subsequently recruited for the study. Participants were recorded using the online catalog, and a think-aloud protocol was employed to capture students' thoughts. Results were compared with nine first-year students observed in 2002, using the same methodology. Analysis of both groups revealed subtle differences in how they utilized the online catalog. Although these differences cannot be definitively attributed to library instruction, the evidence suggests that instruction can have a positive effect on user search behaviors. The article recommends strategies for increasing the impact of library instruction.

Information literacy assessment

“…Two studies used observation as a key method of assessment. Novotny and Cahoy (2006) looked at a very particular area, the use of an online library catalogue, and concentrated on the impact of instruction on the search strategies used. A small sample group of students was asked to verbalize their conscious thoughts as they searched the catalogue.…”

Boolean redux: Performance of advanced versus simple boolean searches and implications for upper-level instruction

“…As with the original study, important to the present study is that Boolean logic has been repeatedly proven to be challenging for students to understand and use correctly or effectively (Hancock-Beaulieu, 1992;Hildreth, 1983;Hildreth, 1997;Jansen et al, 2000;Rousseau et al, 1998). Additionally, multiple studies found only a small percentage of students actually use Boolean in their searches, usually limited to the AND operator (Bloom & Deyrup, 2015;Dinet et al, 2004;Georgas, 2014;Lau & Goh, 2006;Malliari & Kyriaki-Manessi, 2007;Novotny & Cahoy, 2006).…”

Library training to promote electronic resource usage

“…Others have studied the effect of instruction on resource usage. Novotny and Cahoy (2006) address the use of online resources after library instruction. While they do not address the amount or frequency of resource use, they undertake a usability study and explore how the students complete a number of tasks.…”