The hidden user: providing an effective service to users of electronic information sources

Debowski, Shelda

doi:10.1108/10650750010354120

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Bailey, 1997). A range of strategies can be adopted in an effort to build a more interactive and guidance-based service (see Debowski, 2000).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Wrong way: go back! An exploration of novice search behaviours while conducting an information search

Debowski

2001

The Electronic Library

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The push toward the development of user-managed online search processes is clearly evident in libraries. Implicit in this trend is the assumption that searchers are competent in searching these services and retrieving their desired information. However, a close examination of the search strategies of novices while they performed an information search task reveals some significant barriers to successful searching. The results illustrate that novice searchers work very hard on their searches, but find it difficult to develop an effective strategy. These difficulties often prevent successful completion of the search process. The study raises some serious issues which need to be further explored, particularly in terms of tracing user search behaviours, and in developing appropriate support services for such clients.

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“…Bailey, 1997). A range of strategies can be adopted in an effort to build a more interactive and guidance-based service (see Debowski, 2000).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For those experienced in searching, this is a simple and rapid process, which leads to satisfactory retrieval outcomes. For those who are novice searchers, on the other hand, it can be fraught with potential errors and divergent search paths which detract from a quality outcome (Debowski, 2000;Marchionini, 1995;Michel, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wrong way: go back! An exploration of novice search behaviours while conducting an information search

Debowski

2001

The Electronic Library

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“…The internet has greatly reduced the cost of accessing, distributing, sharing, and accessing data, information, services, and resources (Temiz, 2018). The increasing use digital library services is an attractive and economic means of delivering knowledge to the user and brings a challenge to provide online users (Debowski, 2000). Academic library websites have recently gained prominence by showing online presence and content and being able to provide services to students and researchers any time from any location (Abifarin et al , 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovation during crisis: exploring reaction of Swedish university libraries to COVID-19

Temiz

Salelkar

2020

DLP

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Purpose While universities are using more digital tools such as learning management systems (canvas, blackboard, etc). or massive open online courses (MOOCS) such as MIT, OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, digitalization has also influenced university libraries. Digital services of academic libraries need exploration on how they provide digital services and how they respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and map digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research approach is used in this study. Through a Web search, data was gathered from all 39 universities in Sweden through two means: visiting university and their respective library websites; examination of other documents provided by the university such as press releases, announcements. Evaluation of the content and digital services and libraries response to COVID-19 is conducted by thematic coding. Findings In response to the ongoing COVID-19 spread, a general trend seen among all is limited working hours, shutting down physical libraries for general public, unmanning operations. All 39 number of universities in Sweden have moved their offerings toward using online tools. The main themes that have been identified from our study are as follows: Availability of Information, Accessibility of resources, Collaboration with other actors, Increased use of existing services, motivation and support to practice social distancing. Research limitations/implications Owing to the limitations of COVID-19 conditions, time and other aspects, there was not any opportunity to visit the university libraries or book time to interview librarians or students, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There are many other activities that university libraries are offering to their employees and using their internal newsletters and email groups to reach their audience; as a result, some of digital services that are offered during COVID-19 might have not been noticed. Practical implications These findings can provide base to other universities on how to react to COVID-19 and bring more discussion. Social implications COVID-19 has big social impact on people. The findings present that libraries can go beyond their responsibilities and provide emotional and psychological support the community towards social distancing such as videos, social online meetings, live video workshops. Originality/value The findings from this study call for a review digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden, so that best reactions and services could be understood.

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“…Keefer & Karabenick 1998). Third, there is a need to consider how electronic support services can support information seekers in electronic work environments (Debowski 2000). With the increasing focus on employee knowledge as an organisational priority, the basic interrogation and search expertise of the individual will become a major strategic issue, and needs to be considered in terms of training, support, encouragement and quality outcomes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing Effective Electronic Information Seekers

Debowski

2002

Australian Journal of Management

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As electronic sources of information expand and build depth, there is an increasing reliance on information seeking to support work activities and decision-making. Despite the growing importance of these information sources, little is known about the process of information seeking, and the ways in which skills may be improved. This paper describes a series of studies that seek to identify factors which enhance information seeking, and, in particular, to explore the relationship between motivational influences and information search strategy. The results indicate the need for reviews of organisational training and infrastructure to ensure workers are sufficiently skilled in basic information seeking.

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The hidden user: providing an effective service to users of electronic information sources

Cited by 7 publications

References 14 publications

Wrong way: go back! An exploration of novice search behaviours while conducting an information search

Wrong way: go back! An exploration of novice search behaviours while conducting an information search

Innovation during crisis: exploring reaction of Swedish university libraries to COVID-19

Developing Effective Electronic Information Seekers

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