Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Improving Database Discovery and Understandability by Identifying and Reducing A--Z List Jargon. |
| Authors: |
Vickery, Robin1 robinv@arizona.edu, Hertzel, Christine2 chertzel@arizona.edu, Lema, Dana V.3 danalema@arizona.edu, Liu, Yingxuan4 bobliu@arizona.edu, Wallace, Niamh5 niamhw@arizona.edu |
| Source: |
Information Technology & Libraries. Jun2026, Vol. 45 Issue 2, p1-29. 29p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*Bibliographic databases, *Academic libraries, *College teachers, *Students, *Information retrieval, *Library public services, *Communication, *Access to information, *Information-seeking behavior, Terms & phrases, Internet, Surveys, User-centered system design |
| Abstract: |
Countless research questions arise when investigating connections between library resource discovery and student success. Existing literature explores best practices of database description language and style, the usability of database A--Z lists, and library resource jargon. Academic libraries continue to grapple with these challenges in resource discovery, even as online searching behavior evolves and new research tools emerge. A research team at the University of Arizona Libraries builds on the literature by examining these topics with a focus on the impact of a user's academic discipline, university affiliation (faculty, staff, or student), and research experience on their understanding of database terminology, resource content and applications, and A--Z list type filters. The authors conducted an environmental scan of library websites along with several usability tests to identify and reduce library and disciplinary jargon on their A--Z list to make databases more understandable and approachable to all users. This article presents the results of these assessments as a case study for exploring external and internal factors that impact users' understanding and discovery of databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Education Research Complete |
