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Users Look at Online Catalogs. Part 2: Interacting with Online Catalogs. Final Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Users Look at Online Catalogs. Part 2: Interacting with Online Catalogs. Final Report.
Language:	English
Authors:	Larson, Ray R., California Univ., Berkeley. Systemwide Administration. Library Studies and Research Div.
Peer Reviewed:	N
Page Count:	105
Publication Date:	1983
Sponsoring Agency:	Council on Library Resources, Inc., Washington, DC.
Document Type:	Reports - Research
Descriptors:	Data Collection, Design Requirements, Library Automation, Library Catalogs, Library Research, Man Machine Systems, Online Systems, Research Methodology, Search Strategies, Use Studies
Abstract:	This report focuses on a discussion of findings from analyses of computer transaction logs contributed by four of the online catalog systems used in the Public Access Project. It supplements the analyses of User and Non-User Questionnaires by providing analyses of data from the systems themselves. The four systems contributing data to this analysis were (1) MUMS/SCORPIO, two related systems used at the Library of Congress; (2) LUIS, the Northwestern University public access system; (3) ULISYS (Universal Library Systems), a turnkey vendor system at the West Valley Community College District; and (4) MELVYL, the prototype online union catalog of the University of California. The contents of the four transaction logs are described in detail and samples are provided. For each system the analysis includes the relative use of system commands and access points, tables of transactions, transitions from one command to another, and measures of the complexity of actual searches conducted by users. Use of commands is analyzed both in raw form and by generic type of command. Transaction logs for each system are appended. (Author/LMM)
Entry Date:	1983
Accession Number:	ED231401
Database:	ERIC

Description
Abstract:	This report focuses on a discussion of findings from analyses of computer transaction logs contributed by four of the online catalog systems used in the Public Access Project. It supplements the analyses of User and Non-User Questionnaires by providing analyses of data from the systems themselves. The four systems contributing data to this analysis were (1) MUMS/SCORPIO, two related systems used at the Library of Congress; (2) LUIS, the Northwestern University public access system; (3) ULISYS (Universal Library Systems), a turnkey vendor system at the West Valley Community College District; and (4) MELVYL, the prototype online union catalog of the University of California. The contents of the four transaction logs are described in detail and samples are provided. For each system the analysis includes the relative use of system commands and access points, tables of transactions, transitions from one command to another, and measures of the complexity of actual searches conducted by users. Use of commands is analyzed both in raw form and by generic type of command. Transaction logs for each system are appended. (Author/LMM)