Understanding Preferences for Search System Interfaces and the Role of Emotive Forces: A Research Challenge

Abstract

Information professionals have observed that Web-based search interfaces simplify database searching and are preferred over other interfaces. A further anecdotal observation is that their features, in comparison to other interfaces, enhance the quality of search sessions, resulting in better outcomes. One explanation is that Web interfaces ease the negative emotive forces searchers experience with other interfaces. This paper examines the challenges in designing a research method to test the validity of these assumptions and observations. Although Web interfaces may provide a more supportive search setting, particularly for less experienced searchers, there is no evidence they contribute to better search outcomes.rofessional and end-user searchers of commercial online databases have more interface options today than at any time in the recent past. The three primary interface options are Windows clients for PCs or Macs, Web clients, and Telnet or DOS clients. Windows and Web clients are characterized by their point-and-click, graphical user interface (GUI), although Windows clients typically offer greater functionality than Web clients, whereas Telnet or DOS clients are character-based systems. Having more options means more confusion about choices. The PC client may offer the greatest level of search functionality, but it brings the burden of distributing client software to the user population and of offering an update mechanism each time a new upgrade is available. Library managers may prefer the Web client because it is more easily distributed, is customized, and provides a platform-free environment. Online searchers will seek out the interface that is most compatible with their computing capabilities and individual informationseeking styles. This may help the searcher achieve better results.This article examines the impact of the system interface on searcher behavior and the quality of search results. A widely held assumption is that Web-based interfaces are easier to use. This is one reason for their

Use of electronic monographs in the humanities and social sciences

“…Other types of user studies have attempted to study digital libraries from search and interface aspects to establish whether searchers have more success in searching with Web interfaces. An exploratory study by Bell (1999) attempted to understand whether the Web interface itself provided special``emotive'' support for researchers not provided by other types of interfaces that led to better quality in search results. Although he found that the stress level of searchers using a Web interface was lower, search results were not improved through the reduction of stress.…”