Users' searching behaviour in using online databases at Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Purpose: This paper focuses on identifying the searching behaviors of the users, their difficulties as well as their expectations from library supports while using online databases at the Central Library of Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh city. Methods: Usage Reports of six online databases subscribed by the Central Library were analyzed and a survey by emailing users a questionnaire was conducted. Findings: The amount of usage increases yearly, however it is still low in comparison with the amount of subscribers who have registered for using online databases. Users did search for their research and study rather than for their teaching or professional knowledge update. Often they looked for journal articles and thesis rather than e-book. Key words and titles were used the most when searching. Reading the guidance from the library websites or from the databases was most used. This suggested that most users did not know how to use the databases and preferred to learn by themselves. Email was user preferred mean to communicate with library staff. English language and database searching skills were the biggest barriers preventing users from employing online database. Originality and implication: This paper provides the understanding of users" behaviors and suggests the necessity to assist users in using online databases in Vietnam universities. Up to now, these issues have not been known. They are relevant to improve the utilization of online databases.

Awareness and Usage of Electronic Resources among LIS Scholars of Jiwaji University, Gwalior : A Survey

“…Roy & Kumar 18 suggested that user's interface of electronic resources and databases are very complicated, due to which the usage of resources decreases. Sinh & Nhung 19 found that users are facing main problem while searching online databases and journals due to poor search skills, complex interface, less knowledge of english languages and slow internet speed.…”

An examination of information ethics standards in the management of open access electronic information resources (OAEIR) by Zimbabwean university libraries.

“…However, a quarter of the libraries offered ILS as a voluntary training session. The findings were consistent with ALA's, (2008), IFLA's (2012) and Sinh and Nhung's (2012) view that LIS professionals should always help and support users with their information searching, including offering information literacy skills training to library clients.…”

“…According to Sinh and Nhung (2012), online databases were an essential, valuable and up-todate source of information that was being provided by LIS professionals in universities worldwide, and were indispensable to the learning, teaching and research activities of university communities. The core purpose of online databases is to retrieve useful information for the user that fully or somewhat matches the user's search inquiry (Khan, 2016).…”

“…Thus, library instruction programmes "which only included subscription resources missed the opportunity to provide awareness of and access to open materials" (Mullen, 2006, p. 7). Sinh and Nhung (2012) noted that it was important for LIS professionals to teach information literacy skills in their universities. Most university students and teaching staff did not have the skills and habit of using online databases as one of their main information resources.…”