Analysis of users' searches of CD-ROM databases in the national and university library in Zagreb

This study investigates the behavior of two groups with different degree of independence in the search of CD-ROM databases (PsyLit and BIOSIS, SPIRS software). In the group A were users who needed only some technical assistance in communication with a computer/database, while the members of the group B searched CD-ROM databases completely independently. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and transaction logs of search strategies. Statistical data support the hypothesis that the two groups differ both in their experience and frequency in using computer. However, by the analysis of variables used in search strategies/tactics i.e. a) variables relating to the knowledge of search systems and syntax, b) variables defining the search strategies (number of words, concepts, steps, and cycles), c) variables regarding the qualitative indicators (clarity, specificity and complexity of determined strategies in relation to search topic title, and errors) and search results variables (number of retrieved references, number of relevant references, search precision, and results with zero hits) we did not obtain statistically significant difference in the user behavior. Both groups used facilities for a more comprehensive and successful search they were offered on-screen to a low degree. Results obtained by this research show that end-user education is necessary for CD-ROM database searching, although CD-ROM is primarily designed for end-users. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.