On-line Database Search Service In The University of Malaya Library: A Preliminary Analysis Of Its Use.

Teh, Kang Hai (1992) On-line Database Search Service In The University of Malaya Library: A Preliminary Analysis Of Its Use. Kekal Abadi, 11 (2). pp. 1-5. ISSN 01272578

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Affiliations

University of Malaya Library

Abstract

On-line searching using the DIALOG online services was introduced in the University of Malaya Library in September 1990. Forty-nine searchers were conducted till the end of 1990, for members of the academic staff and postgraduate students. A user evaluation of the searches was made through a questionnaire. The 26 questionnaire returned were analysed. For 85% of the respondents, this was their first online search. Those from the science disciplines made more use of the service than those from the Arts or Social Science disciplines. Almost all respondents used the service to obain information for the purpose of research. Search results had reasonably high precision, emphasising the importance of having a pre-search reference interview, good search strategy and also the presence of users at the search sessions. More relevant citations were retrieved as compared to the conventional manual searches. Online searching had also drastically cut down on the time needed to obtain the required information. It has also helped to change the use of the library service. The service is very useful and should be continued through the appropriate funding.

Item Type:

Journal

Additional Information:

This note was added by the search_and_modify.pl script.

Keywords:

Library databases, Dialog, Online retrieval, Information for research.

Subjects:

Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Science

ID Code:

663