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DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 243 483 IR 050 709
AUTHOR Welch, beanie M. . 4
TITLE A Survey of Online Bibliographic Searching in the
Reference Department of a Medium-Sized, University
Library.
PUB DATE Apr 84
NOTE 24p.
PUB TYPE Reports - Research/Technical (143)
Tests /Evaluation Instruments (160)
EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS *College Libraries; Costs; Databases; Graphs; Higher
Education; *Information Retrieval; Library Equipment;
*Library Services; *Online Systems; Publicity;
Questionnaires;,*Recordkeeping; Records (Forms);
Surveys; User Satisfaction (Information)
IDENTIFIERS *Lamar University TX; Library Piocedures
ABSTRACT
This. paper describes the development of online
bibliographic searching at Lamar University; a state-supported
university. in Beaumont, Texas, and the results of a 1983 users'
survey evaluating,satisfaction with online searching services. Online
searching is-defined and its'advintages and disadvantages are briefly
outlined. The equipment used in searching, the training of searchers,
administrative procedures, charging practices; and publivity provided
for online searching services are described.,Two major findings of_#
survey of,33 users of online services (with a response rate of 67%)
are reported: most searches were done in the areas of business,
educatibn, science, and technology; and many users stated that less
than 50% of the citations generated were useful in their particular
research. Recommendations for improving the service focus on
equipment, facilities, statistical recordkeeping, continued user
evaluation, and 'revisions of the library's procedures-manual.
Appendices provide data on the number of searches conducted, the most
frequently searched databases, and average search costs by database.
A sample search request form, promotional material on online
searching, a sample user questionnaire, and a. sample statistical
recordkeeping form are also provided. (ESR)
4.,
*********************************************************14************
* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made - *
* from the original document. *
,
***********************************************************************
tr
U.S. DEPARTP411NT OF EDUCATION
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
EDUCATIONALRESOURCES INFQRMATION
CENTER IERICI
This document has been reproduced as
received I rom the person or organization
originating it.
Minor changes have been made to improve
'reproduction quality.
PointS of wow or opinions stated in this docu-
ment do not necessarily represent official NIE
position or poliCy.
,A SURVEY OF
ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC 'SEARCHING
IN THE REFERENCE l*ARTMENT
OF A -14EDIUM-SIZED
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
JEA1.11E M. WELCH
REFERENCE DEPARTMENT
MARY AND JOHN F. GRAY LIBRARY
LAMAR UNIVENITY
BEAUMONT, TEXAS -
APRIL, 1984
A
Of f.
"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS
MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Jeanie M. Welch
TO TH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
$ INFORM TON CENTER (ERIC)."
A SURVEY OF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHING
IN THE REFERE10E DEPARTMENT
-UFA, MEDIUM -SIZED UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 1977-1983
I. Introduction
A. Definition and,develogrent of online bibliograglic searching
B. Development of online bibliographic searching at Lamar University
II. Current online bibliographi5 searching practices
A. Equipment
B. Training.
C. Procedures
D. Charging. practices
E. Publicity'
III. Conclusions and recommendations
A. Users' survey
B. Recommendations
IV. Appendix
1
A SURVEY OF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHING
IN THE REFERENCE DEPAREARTr
OF A MEDIUM -SIZED UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 1977 -1983
I. Introduction
A. Definition and Development of Online Bibliographic Searching
Online bibliographic searching is the use of a computer terminal to
search.a collection of'machine-readable records via seve.K1 access points.'
Online bibliographic' searching began in the mid-19606, and the U. S.
government was an early producer of databases in air fields of,education
and medicine. Widespread online bibliographic searching in libraries be-
gan in the -1970s with the pioliferation of new databases, the increase of
commercial vendors acting as middlemen between'database producers and
users, and the development of more compact', legs expensive equipment:
`Online. bibliographic searching has several advantages. These include
speed, the convenience of having a tailor-made printed bibliography, a
variety of access points (e.g., author and source) not available in printed
/
indexes, a proliferation of databases on all subjects, and proliferation
of.citations (now numbering in the millions).?
Online bibliographic searching also has some disadvantages. These
include the cost of equipment, training, and,search aids (manuals, the-
auri, etc.). There is also the dilemma of "free vs. fee," whether to
charge patrons for searches, how much to charge, etc. Online bibliographic
searching can also increase demand'for interlibrary loan services in order
to locate cited sources not in the library collection. There i6 also the
dilemma of whether to subscribe. to expensive, seldom-used, printed in.
dexes that are also available online.
'James L. Hall and Marjorie J. Brawn, Online Bibli. aphic Databases:
An International Directory, 2nd ed., (London : Aslib, 19:1), p. xv.
2I.
bid. pp, xv-xvi.
1'
1
B. 'Development of Online7B.
Lamar University is,ag
Or
12,000 students, located
institution by the Ameri
'Mary and John E. Gray Li
are currently three full '-t'
.
doing online bibliographic s
is a member of AMIGOS and uses
interlibrary Ioan.
During the 197i-78 academic
offer online bibliographic sear
iographic Searching at Lamar University
pairted institution of approximately'
t, Texas, It is classified as a Ilk
,ion of University'ProfessOrs. The
er 700,000 volume equivalents. There
s in the Reference Departmdht, all
The MariandJohn.E. Gray Library
or acquisitions, cataloging, -and
ar the Reference Department began to,
through MEMOS.- The service was pro-
,
'2
vided to, faculty, staff and graduatQ.students. 'I
students. were
done. The staff.alsObegan ordering thesauri and other search aids fo r/
. . -
.
.-einavidual databaSes.' . .
;
' I
9*
During the 1978-79 academic year the Referedce'Department adquired its
awn terminal, eliminating the need.to'go through ANI&OS. Through its own
terminal the Library had access to DIALOG, SDC, and:MEDLINE; three of the
major vendors:, Members of the Reference Departmedt began attending train-
Ing sessions for both general searching and specialised searching'in indi-
vidual databases.' During the 1579- 80 .academic year the Reference DepArtment
received two.mini-grants from the Research Council, a campus wide body, to
-acquaint faculty and graduate students with the seryice.
During the 1982-83 academic year the Reference Department wrote a de-
_
tailed section on' online bibliographic searching in the Reference Staff
Manual, By the'end of the 1982-83 academic year the number of searches done
since 1977-78 was 785, with 285 searches done during 1982-83. A statistical
survey of the number of searches done is included in the appendix. 'It
should be noted here that there has been a consistency in the databases
searched. MEDLINE and ERIC are always arIng the most, frequently- searched
databases. A table of average search costs is also included in the appendix
Based on a sampling of the most frequei'ltiy searched databases, an average
seareh cost $14.13, but charges varied from $4..90 to $34.49.
II. Current :Online Bibliographic Searching
A. Equipment'
The Library uses a Texas InstruMents Silent 700 Portable Data Terminal
with a built=in telephone coupler. There were a great deal of problems with
5
... .:v 3
w .
% . P .
>
this terminal when first installed, but it has been reliable!for:the past
few years. It is'qtliet, compadt: and has few Moving parts; little maintenance
,' .
is required. The printer'uses rolls of thermal paper and few other sup-
';':.-
plies: 'There is a dedicated telephone line to.lconnect the-terbinal to ,-----"
. .
the .
various telephone systems (e.g. , Telapet andinet)'. .. : .,
The various vendors (SDC, DIALOG, and MEDLINE) ProvjAksearching,
procedure manuals d brief, descriptive, sheets on individ databases.
.Individualdatab producers also produce their own thesauri (dictiongries
of descriptors), and the Library has purchased thesauri for the mast fre-
si
quently-searChed databases.
;,
B. Training
The various vendors and database proddcers provide training,' both
ginning and advanced, for searchers. The three reference librarians
currently doing searching have attended workshops provideby DIALOG,
MEDLINE, and various individual database producers. The staff is en-
couraged to ,attend workshops held in East Texas (usually Houston or
X11.
C. Procedures
;A complete description of online bibliographic searching procedures
is given in Section II-D of theyeference Staff Manual. It is estimated
that total staff time-involved.in an online bibliographic search is from
one-half hour to one hour. A summary `of steps,involVed in performing a
search is given below.
1. The patron requests a search either in person at the Information
Desk or by telephone.
2. The librarian"conducts .hintervieW to determine whether a
search is appropriate and explains costs and procedures; the patron fills
out a request form (see, appendix); and an appointment is made for the
search
3. The librarian selects apPropr'iate -databases and determines a
searching strategy (e.g., descriptors, commands, etc.)
4. 'At the appointed time the librarian explains the strategy to the
patron and conducts the search with therpatron present.
5. After the search is completed, the patron and librarian review
the citations generated; payment is arranged; a receipt is given. if
offline prints are ordered this step takes place when the prints are
received.
.
4
6. The librarian enters the completedearch in the log, and the request.
Porm, -thme and cost information from the search, and a copy of the receipt are
filed.
k.
7. The costs of the search are reconciled to a monthly statement
frOm the vendor.
D. Charges
Charges for online bibliographic searching include the telephone
.charge, computer time, and total costs of citatiorils generated (eithe on- or
offline). Faculty hay charge their searches to their departments wi h an
appropriate account number. There is a surcharge for searches done f r,
patrons not affiliated with LaTar University.
E. Public Relations
4.
In order to acquaint graduate students and,faculty with online biblio-
graphic' searching, the Library has used various means of publicity and
public relations. Stating in October, 1977,With an article on the AMIGOS
Computerized Reference Service, there have been articles in the University
Press, he school newspaper. In October, 1978, the Library Director
circulated an intracampus memorandum to faculty and staff to announce the'
acquisition of the TI terminal There was also an article in the Academic,r
Bulletin (the staff newsletter), on March 22, 1979,'announcing a demon-
stration of the service. Non-transferrable coupons for one free search
(up to $25.00) for new faculty have been distributed since Fall, 1980. A
brochure,entitled "Computerized Literature Search Service" was published
in 1 80 and revised in 1983 (see Appendix). It is on display in the referende
area and enclosed with the free coupon sent to new faculty. An article on
online bibliographic searching, appears in the library supplement to the
University Press in the Fall semester.
Formal library instruction to graduate students also includes. a lec-
ture.on online bibliographic searching. According to Knapp:
'Probably the most common and perhaps the most successful
introductions have been given to classes of new graduate
students. ... Instruction about computer searching should
be integrated with instruction,about other library.
resources. J
Informal contacts between librarians and. faculty and meetings for
new faculty are also used to.publicize this service.
1
3
Sara.D. Knapp, "Instructing Library Patrons about Online Reference
Services," Bookmark, vol. 38 (Fall, 1979), p., 237
7
Ill. Conclusions and Recommendations
A.' Users' Survey
In
sr
order to evaluate users' satisfaction with online bibliographic
searching, a questionnaire was sent to thirty-three.patrans who requested
searches dUring the Fal 1983, semester. TWenty-stwo questionnair.es were
returned fora return rate of 66.6%. While this sample is minimal, some
preliMinary conclusions can be drawn from the responses.
Most searches were done in the areas of business, education, and science
and technology: The majority of searches yielded citations, but many
patrons stated that less than 50% of the citations generated were useful
in their particular research. The majority felt that the librarians were
helpful'and knowledgeable in searchihg. They also considered the cost to
' d
be average (not too high or to law). The majority also would consider
using this service again and would recommend it to their colleages and/or
students.Thost-heard about the service from a colleague or from libr'ary
publicity. Qf those patrOns who made additional comments, themajority
were favorable, and only two were negative (one extremely so).
These responses indicate that the librarians should be very careful
and thorough in explaining searching capabilities and limitations. The con-
clusion that less than.50% of,the citations generated were useful is a cause
for further study.. There may be several reasons for this response--inap-
'propriate selection of databases ordescriptors, the Library did not own,
the sources cited, or the patron aid not use interlibrary loan to get ad--
editional sources. A summary of patron responies and a sample survey are in-
cluded in the Appendix.
. k
B. Recommendations
4
In the area of equipment the Reference Department has several recom-
mendations. Searching is now done in a small office shared by two staff.
members. The area can be v amped when a search is being done with
the patront present. IdPAll separate rbom in the reference area could
houe the terminal, telephon searching aids, supplies, and records.
This room could also provide e space for practical demonstrations.
While the present TI terminal has been reliable, it has some dis-
advantages.:. A:terminal with a CRT (video screen) would give the patron a
better view of the citations as they are generated. -Other univtrsities
have used terminals with'CRTs and printers for several years. A micro-
computer with a CRT, telephone coupler, and a printer would have the
advantages of greater speed and patron visibility, and it could also be
8
b 6
used for billing purposes,and record keeping. Storage oinformation now
entered manually in the search 'log would be easily retrievable for statisti-
cal analysis and billing purposes. /
A proposed statistic sheet for the annual repOrt is included in the
Appendix. The American N tional Standards Committee 739 has recently pub-
lished a revised standard for library statistics, including online.biblio-
graphic searching statistics, showing the importance of uniform statistics
in this area.
4
The continued use of users' surveys is recommended to get feedback
_from patrons. Other academic
Carolina at Greensboro, 5
have
Committee can Measurement and
mended evaluation-form.
6
An
libraries, such as the University of North
conducted users: surveys, andthe ALA /RASD /MARS
Evaluation of Service has published a recam-
evaluation form could be given to every
patron after the search%has been completed, or a survey could be conducted
at Stated intervals (e.g., alternating spring and fall semesters during
the academic year).
The online bibliographic searching section of the Reference Staff
Manual should be revised to reflect changes in procedures. [Some changes
have already taken place--more Impo-rtance has been given to arranging
appointments for searches instead of trying to do every search on a
"walk-in" basis, and a npw request form is being used.]
The staff should continue to give thorough explanations of searching
capabilities during the interview, including asking the patron which printed
indexes have been consulted and whether the patron has seen a search done
before. [During the 1983-84 academic year the Library begah Wing a chart
with a simple ERIC search'done both on- and offline to demonstrate both
formats].
tati ics show uneveneness'in interest from faculty members (see
Appendix). Perhaps additional public crelations aimed at the faculty could
stabilize faculty interest. 10
1011t
4Library
1
Statistics Standard Published," College and Research Libraries
News, ol. 45, no. 4 (April, 1984), p. 203.
cia Kingley, "A Closer Look at the Hobgoblin: Users' Satisfaction
with Computerized Literature Searches," North Carolina Libraries, vol. 40,
no. 1 (Spring, 1982), pp.' 37-41.
6
Richard W. Blood, "Evaluation of Online Searches," ER, v. 22, no. 3
(Spring, 1983), Pp. 276-277.
9
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
APPENDIX
TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES, 1977/78-1982/83
. 1 f- ,
,
i
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300
250
200
150
100
50
50
40
30
`20
10
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7
50
40
30
20
10
0
8
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APPENDIX
TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY FACULTY, 1977/78- 1982/83
----
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8/12
39)
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(135
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44)
81/82
t39)
_ 82/83
(1,56
1: L .1___
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13
1125
100
75
50
25
0
APPENDIX
TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1977/78-1982/83
__-__
L
.
. .
.
i .
.
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(34)
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125)
(12) ( 9)
--inoomplbte)
(records
,.
,
14
t.
APPENDIX
MOST FREQUENTLY SEARCHED DATABASES
1977/78-1982/83
ACADEMIC YEAR NAME OF DATABASE NUMBER OF TIMES
1977-78
1978-79
19480
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
Medline
ERIC
Chemical Abstracts
Psychinfo
Medline
ERIC
NTIS
Social Scisearch
Medline
EC
P. chinfo
Biosis
Social Scisearch
Medlin
ERIC
Georef
Chemical Abstracts
ERIC
Medlin
ABI/INFORM
Psychinfo
ERIC
Chemical Abstracts
Medline
Compendex
Exceptional Child Educ. Res.
SEARCHED
5
4
3
3
12
6
6
5
66
26
17
11
8
33
26
8
6
43
12
8
6
83
39
34
18
18
4
15
,
APPENDIX
AVERAGE COSTOF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC
SEARCHING FOR MOST ACTIVE BASES, 1982-83
/No
Compendex
Psychinfo
$25.83
20.09
ABI/INFORM 13.97
Chemical Abstracts (per file) 13.44
Exceptidnal Child Education Resources_ 11.99
ERIC 7.39
MEDLINE 6.20
AVERAGE COST OF SEARCH $14.13
Name
DATABASE SEARCH REQUEST
Faculty Graduate Other' Date
Address (or Department and Campus Box)
O
Telephone Home .Work Means of Payment Cash 'Check Charge7
(acct. no.)
I am authorized to charge this search to the I agreit to,pay all charges in connection
account number provided. with this search.
(Signature) (Signature).
SUBJECT OF SEARCH (please be as specific as possible, including relevent terms, etc.)
RESTRICTIONS , age level, language, geographic area, dates, human, animal)
PLEASE LIST ANY PRINTED SOURCES ALREADY CONSULTED (e.g., reference books,, periodical ,indexes)
To be filled in by library staff
DATABASE (name and number)
DESCRIPTORS
PRINTS Online Offline
OFFLINE PRINTS RECEIVED
PATRON NOTIFIED
PATRON PICKUP
(date)
(date)
(date)
ti
Search no.
Interviewer/Searcher
SELECTED DATABASES _
(Subject to frequent price changes)
BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
database coverage cost/$
ABI/INFORM (Data Couriec)
1971-date 73/hr
DISCLOSURE II 1980-date 60/hr
ECONOMICS Abstracts International
1974-date 65 /hr
MANAGEMENT CONTENTS
1974;date 75/hr
PTS FUNK & SCOTT INDEXES (Predicasts, Inc.)
1972-date 90/hr
print charge/cit
.30
10.00
.20
.30
.25
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS AND
siNTERDISCIPLINARY
ASI (American Statistics Index)
1973-date 90/hr _15
CIS (Congressional Information Service)
1970-date 90/hr , .25
COMPREHENSIVE DISSERTATION INDEX
1861-date 70/hr .20
MEDICINE
MEDLARS (Medline, Toxline, Chomline, Cancerpro, etc.)
1966-date 15/hr .18/page
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BIOSIS REVIEWS (Biological Abtracts)
1969-date 58/hr .15
CA (American Chem. Society)
1967-date 64 /hr .20
COMPENDEX (Engineering Index, Inc.)
1970-date 80/hr .30
ENERGYLINE 1971-date 94 ihr .25
FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ABSTRACTS
1969-date 65/hr
GEOARCHIVE (Geosystems) 1969-date 70 hr
GEOREF 1961-date 82 hr
INSPEC 1969-date 7 /hr
ISMEC (Inst. Mech. Engrs.) 1973-date 73/hr
METADEX (Metal Abstracts)1966-dote 80/hr
POLLUTION (Pollution Abstracts)
1970-date 73/hr .20
SCISEARCH (Science Citation Index)
1974-date 65/hr .15
SSIE (Smithsonian Science Information Exchange)
latest 2 yrs.78/hr .20
.15
.20
.20
.25
.20
.15
18
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
AMERICA: History and Life 1984-date 65/hr .15
ARTBIBUOGRAPHIES MODERN
1974-date 60/hr '.15
ERIC 1966-dans 25/hr .10
EXCEPTIONAL CHILD EDUCATION RESOURCES
1966-date 25/hr .10
HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS ."1973-date 65 /hr.. .15
LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE BEHAVIOR ABSTRACTS
1973-date 55/hr .15
MLA BIBLIOGRAPHY 1976-date 55/hr 't .15
NICEM (National Information Center for Educational Media)
1964-dote 70/Iy--, .20
PAIS INTERNATIONAL 1976-date 60/hr ' .15
RILM ABSTRACTS (Repertoire Inter. Litt. Musicale) '
1;-.72-date 65/hr .15
TJ
SOCIOLOGICAL ABSAOTS*
41
SOCIAL SCISEARCH 1972-date 75/hr .15
1963.date 55/hr ..15
PSYCINFO 1967-date 65/hr . .10
UNITED STATES POUTICAL SCIENCE DOCUMENTS
1975-date 65/hr - .15
NO;
4119111111,1
?
LAMAR UNIVERSITY
.11%.
Title VI (C. R. Act 1964); Exec. Ord. 11246; Title IX; Sec. 504 (Rehab.
Act 1973). Inquiries refer to Office of the President, Lamar University;
. .
COMPUTERIZED
LITERATVRE
SEARCH SERVICE
lit
MARY AND JOHN GRAY
LIBRARY
19
A COMPUTERIZED LITERATURE,
.4
WHERE ARE THE DATABASES
SEARCH SERVICE
Computerized ,literature searching is an
automated method of scanning in so
that one may compile bibliographies on
-specific subjects. These indexes, known as
databases, represent the equivalent of many
of our hard-copy indexes and abstracts, and
calow ready 'access to the information through
a local computer terminal telephone node.
Lamar Gray library has access to more
than 100 databases. These are available
through MEDLARS of the National Library of
Medicine (Washington, D.C.), DIALOG of
Lockheed (Palo Alto, CA), and ORBIT/of
Systems Development Corporation (Santa
Monica, CA).
WHAT DO THEY COVER?
Databases cover a wide variety of
subjects in the social sciences, science and
technology, business and econo-mics,
education, and -a few in the humanities. The
average retrospective coverage for most
bases ten years.
MANUAL VERSUS
COMPUTER SEARCH
A computer search is preferable when
rapid access to current literature is necessary,
when a large number of terms describe a
topic, when a topic is too new or specific fipri
establishment' of a subject term, or when two
or more ideas are combined. A typical
example of the latter might be a search on
"increased energy development and ifs
resulting effect on air quality." Both concepts,
"energy development" and "air quality", can
be combined on the terminal and the
bibliography will contain only those articles
which discuss both concepts.
ON-LINE OR OFF-LINE
Edch citation provides full bibliographic
information. Some databases also include
abstracts. Depending upon the number of
citations to be printed, it is often advisable to
have them printed "off-line." and'mailed. The
cost of off-line is per citation rather than on an
hourly basis and consequently considerably
less than 6n-line printing.
YES
HOW DOES ONE DO A SEARCH?
Fill in a search,request form andschedule
an interview with a Reference Librarian (ext.
8128). Both of these steps are necessary to
insure a quality search.' The searcher needs'to
know your specific needs and crIlstricting
parameters. OnceMCe search request and
interview are finalized, fhe librarian bsually
will run the search within 24 hours. Off-line
printing will be received within- a week.
A list of some of the databases available
to us in several broad subject categories is
listed on the back of this brochure. Please
keep in mind that this is a select list. For a
complete list of accpstible databases, contact
the reference department staff.
COSTS
Database access is provided to the library
on a charge basis. The patron assumes the
direct costs. Recent studies indicate that an
average search costs $28.00.. However, the
costs vary widely with construction of the
search strategy and the database accessed.
The list of databases includes hourly and Off-
line printing charges. Individuals may pay by
personal check at the time a bibliography
printout is-picked up or it may be charged to a
University or grant account.
MEMORANDUM
NOV. 4, 1983
DATE:
TO:
FROM: REFERENCE DEPARTMENT,' GRAY LIBRARY
suwEcr:
COMPUTER. SEARCHING'
LAMAR UNIVERSITY
In order to improve our service to library patrons; the Gray Library
.Reference Department is evaluating its computer searching service.
We are asking library patrons who have had recent searches done to
please fill, out the enclosed questionnaire and-return it to Box 10021
by Nov. 18.
We would appreciate your taking the time to complete this form and
return it in the addressed envelope provided. Please detach
your name from this.negorandum to insure confidentiality.
Thank you'for your assistance.
A
9
1/4
C,
LAMAR UNIVERSITY
MARY and JQHN GRAY LIBRARY
Box 10021
Lamar University Station
Beaumont, Texas 77710
November 4, 1983
COMPUTER SEARCHING
OPINION QUESTIONNAIRE
1. What is your university status?. Graduate student // Faculty /(one person
Other (please specify)
checked, both)
2. What was the subject area of your.search? (please circle)
Business.5-hducationSIEngineering2 Health3' Humaraties/ Other (please specify)
Biology 3 Psychology.? Computer Science / Covernmentd/
3. Were any citations generated by your search? Yes 2d No /
4. How many of the. citations were, useful in your research?
Less than 50%/3 51%!4to 75% .1/ More than 75%
5 Was the librariap helpful in explaining computer search capabilities,
procedures, and costs? Yes 20 No _;e.V
6 Did'the librarian seem
knowledgeable
in searching techniques and subject
matter? Yes & No 02,
7. If you paid the costs <,of youy search, do you feel that the costs were:
Too high About average /02. Did not pay"for search
8. INbuld you consider using this service again? Yes/7 No
9. Would you-recommend this service to your colleagues and/or students?
Yes 4 No a--
TO. How did you hear about the computer search service?
From a colleague *g From library publicity l0 From a library orientation .3
Other (please specify) Professor o2 Research Council /
11. Any additional comments:
Favorable
Unfavorable
PLEASE DETACH FROM INTRA-CAMPUS ID II RANDUM AND RETURN BY AA/. 18. THANK YOU.
. 23
75
50
25
0
DATABASE SEARCHTNC STATTSTTCS
ACADEMIC YEAR
Total number of searches
Number of searches for faci(ty
Number of searches for graduate students
Number of searches for library staff
Number of searches for non-Lamar patrons
Number of databases.searches
Most frequently searched databases
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Times searched Average cost
V
Average cost of database search
NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY MONTH
a
1 r --ft---N A

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A Survey Of Online Bibliographic Searching In The Reference Department Of A Medium-Sized University Library

  • 1.
  • 2. DOCUMENT RESUME ED 243 483 IR 050 709 AUTHOR Welch, beanie M. . 4 TITLE A Survey of Online Bibliographic Searching in the Reference Department of a Medium-Sized, University Library. PUB DATE Apr 84 NOTE 24p. PUB TYPE Reports - Research/Technical (143) Tests /Evaluation Instruments (160) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *College Libraries; Costs; Databases; Graphs; Higher Education; *Information Retrieval; Library Equipment; *Library Services; *Online Systems; Publicity; Questionnaires;,*Recordkeeping; Records (Forms); Surveys; User Satisfaction (Information) IDENTIFIERS *Lamar University TX; Library Piocedures ABSTRACT This. paper describes the development of online bibliographic searching at Lamar University; a state-supported university. in Beaumont, Texas, and the results of a 1983 users' survey evaluating,satisfaction with online searching services. Online searching is-defined and its'advintages and disadvantages are briefly outlined. The equipment used in searching, the training of searchers, administrative procedures, charging practices; and publivity provided for online searching services are described.,Two major findings of_# survey of,33 users of online services (with a response rate of 67%) are reported: most searches were done in the areas of business, educatibn, science, and technology; and many users stated that less than 50% of the citations generated were useful in their particular research. Recommendations for improving the service focus on equipment, facilities, statistical recordkeeping, continued user evaluation, and 'revisions of the library's procedures-manual. Appendices provide data on the number of searches conducted, the most frequently searched databases, and average search costs by database. A sample search request form, promotional material on online searching, a sample user questionnaire, and a. sample statistical recordkeeping form are also provided. (ESR) 4., *********************************************************14************ * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made - * * from the original document. * , ***********************************************************************
  • 3. tr U.S. DEPARTP411NT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONALRESOURCES INFQRMATION CENTER IERICI This document has been reproduced as received I rom the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve 'reproduction quality. PointS of wow or opinions stated in this docu- ment do not necessarily represent official NIE position or poliCy. ,A SURVEY OF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC 'SEARCHING IN THE REFERENCE l*ARTMENT OF A -14EDIUM-SIZED UNIVERSITY LIBRARY JEA1.11E M. WELCH REFERENCE DEPARTMENT MARY AND JOHN F. GRAY LIBRARY LAMAR UNIVENITY BEAUMONT, TEXAS - APRIL, 1984 A Of f. "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Jeanie M. Welch TO TH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES $ INFORM TON CENTER (ERIC)."
  • 4. A SURVEY OF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHING IN THE REFERE10E DEPARTMENT -UFA, MEDIUM -SIZED UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 1977-1983 I. Introduction A. Definition and,develogrent of online bibliograglic searching B. Development of online bibliographic searching at Lamar University II. Current online bibliographi5 searching practices A. Equipment B. Training. C. Procedures D. Charging. practices E. Publicity' III. Conclusions and recommendations A. Users' survey B. Recommendations IV. Appendix
  • 5. 1 A SURVEY OF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHING IN THE REFERENCE DEPAREARTr OF A MEDIUM -SIZED UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 1977 -1983 I. Introduction A. Definition and Development of Online Bibliographic Searching Online bibliographic searching is the use of a computer terminal to search.a collection of'machine-readable records via seve.K1 access points.' Online bibliographic' searching began in the mid-19606, and the U. S. government was an early producer of databases in air fields of,education and medicine. Widespread online bibliographic searching in libraries be- gan in the -1970s with the pioliferation of new databases, the increase of commercial vendors acting as middlemen between'database producers and users, and the development of more compact', legs expensive equipment: `Online. bibliographic searching has several advantages. These include speed, the convenience of having a tailor-made printed bibliography, a variety of access points (e.g., author and source) not available in printed / indexes, a proliferation of databases on all subjects, and proliferation of.citations (now numbering in the millions).? Online bibliographic searching also has some disadvantages. These include the cost of equipment, training, and,search aids (manuals, the- auri, etc.). There is also the dilemma of "free vs. fee," whether to charge patrons for searches, how much to charge, etc. Online bibliographic searching can also increase demand'for interlibrary loan services in order to locate cited sources not in the library collection. There i6 also the dilemma of whether to subscribe. to expensive, seldom-used, printed in. dexes that are also available online. 'James L. Hall and Marjorie J. Brawn, Online Bibli. aphic Databases: An International Directory, 2nd ed., (London : Aslib, 19:1), p. xv. 2I. bid. pp, xv-xvi. 1' 1
  • 6. B. 'Development of Online7B. Lamar University is,ag Or 12,000 students, located institution by the Ameri 'Mary and John E. Gray Li are currently three full '-t' . doing online bibliographic s is a member of AMIGOS and uses interlibrary Ioan. During the 197i-78 academic offer online bibliographic sear iographic Searching at Lamar University pairted institution of approximately' t, Texas, It is classified as a Ilk ,ion of University'ProfessOrs. The er 700,000 volume equivalents. There s in the Reference Departmdht, all The MariandJohn.E. Gray Library or acquisitions, cataloging, -and ar the Reference Department began to, through MEMOS.- The service was pro- , '2 vided to, faculty, staff and graduatQ.students. 'I students. were done. The staff.alsObegan ordering thesauri and other search aids fo r/ . . - . .-einavidual databaSes.' . . ; ' I 9* During the 1978-79 academic year the Referedce'Department adquired its awn terminal, eliminating the need.to'go through ANI&OS. Through its own terminal the Library had access to DIALOG, SDC, and:MEDLINE; three of the major vendors:, Members of the Reference Departmedt began attending train- Ing sessions for both general searching and specialised searching'in indi- vidual databases.' During the 1579- 80 .academic year the Reference DepArtment received two.mini-grants from the Research Council, a campus wide body, to -acquaint faculty and graduate students with the seryice. During the 1982-83 academic year the Reference Department wrote a de- _ tailed section on' online bibliographic searching in the Reference Staff Manual, By the'end of the 1982-83 academic year the number of searches done since 1977-78 was 785, with 285 searches done during 1982-83. A statistical survey of the number of searches done is included in the appendix. 'It should be noted here that there has been a consistency in the databases searched. MEDLINE and ERIC are always arIng the most, frequently- searched databases. A table of average search costs is also included in the appendix Based on a sampling of the most frequei'ltiy searched databases, an average seareh cost $14.13, but charges varied from $4..90 to $34.49. II. Current :Online Bibliographic Searching A. Equipment' The Library uses a Texas InstruMents Silent 700 Portable Data Terminal with a built=in telephone coupler. There were a great deal of problems with 5
  • 7. ... .:v 3 w . % . P . > this terminal when first installed, but it has been reliable!for:the past few years. It is'qtliet, compadt: and has few Moving parts; little maintenance ,' . is required. The printer'uses rolls of thermal paper and few other sup- ';':.- plies: 'There is a dedicated telephone line to.lconnect the-terbinal to ,-----" . . the . various telephone systems (e.g. , Telapet andinet)'. .. : ., The various vendors (SDC, DIALOG, and MEDLINE) ProvjAksearching, procedure manuals d brief, descriptive, sheets on individ databases. .Individualdatab producers also produce their own thesauri (dictiongries of descriptors), and the Library has purchased thesauri for the mast fre- si quently-searChed databases. ;, B. Training The various vendors and database proddcers provide training,' both ginning and advanced, for searchers. The three reference librarians currently doing searching have attended workshops provideby DIALOG, MEDLINE, and various individual database producers. The staff is en- couraged to ,attend workshops held in East Texas (usually Houston or X11. C. Procedures ;A complete description of online bibliographic searching procedures is given in Section II-D of theyeference Staff Manual. It is estimated that total staff time-involved.in an online bibliographic search is from one-half hour to one hour. A summary `of steps,involVed in performing a search is given below. 1. The patron requests a search either in person at the Information Desk or by telephone. 2. The librarian"conducts .hintervieW to determine whether a search is appropriate and explains costs and procedures; the patron fills out a request form (see, appendix); and an appointment is made for the search 3. The librarian selects apPropr'iate -databases and determines a searching strategy (e.g., descriptors, commands, etc.) 4. 'At the appointed time the librarian explains the strategy to the patron and conducts the search with therpatron present. 5. After the search is completed, the patron and librarian review the citations generated; payment is arranged; a receipt is given. if offline prints are ordered this step takes place when the prints are received. .
  • 8. 4 6. The librarian enters the completedearch in the log, and the request. Porm, -thme and cost information from the search, and a copy of the receipt are filed. k. 7. The costs of the search are reconciled to a monthly statement frOm the vendor. D. Charges Charges for online bibliographic searching include the telephone .charge, computer time, and total costs of citatiorils generated (eithe on- or offline). Faculty hay charge their searches to their departments wi h an appropriate account number. There is a surcharge for searches done f r, patrons not affiliated with LaTar University. E. Public Relations 4. In order to acquaint graduate students and,faculty with online biblio- graphic' searching, the Library has used various means of publicity and public relations. Stating in October, 1977,With an article on the AMIGOS Computerized Reference Service, there have been articles in the University Press, he school newspaper. In October, 1978, the Library Director circulated an intracampus memorandum to faculty and staff to announce the' acquisition of the TI terminal There was also an article in the Academic,r Bulletin (the staff newsletter), on March 22, 1979,'announcing a demon- stration of the service. Non-transferrable coupons for one free search (up to $25.00) for new faculty have been distributed since Fall, 1980. A brochure,entitled "Computerized Literature Search Service" was published in 1 80 and revised in 1983 (see Appendix). It is on display in the referende area and enclosed with the free coupon sent to new faculty. An article on online bibliographic searching, appears in the library supplement to the University Press in the Fall semester. Formal library instruction to graduate students also includes. a lec- ture.on online bibliographic searching. According to Knapp: 'Probably the most common and perhaps the most successful introductions have been given to classes of new graduate students. ... Instruction about computer searching should be integrated with instruction,about other library. resources. J Informal contacts between librarians and. faculty and meetings for new faculty are also used to.publicize this service. 1 3 Sara.D. Knapp, "Instructing Library Patrons about Online Reference Services," Bookmark, vol. 38 (Fall, 1979), p., 237 7
  • 9. Ill. Conclusions and Recommendations A.' Users' Survey In sr order to evaluate users' satisfaction with online bibliographic searching, a questionnaire was sent to thirty-three.patrans who requested searches dUring the Fal 1983, semester. TWenty-stwo questionnair.es were returned fora return rate of 66.6%. While this sample is minimal, some preliMinary conclusions can be drawn from the responses. Most searches were done in the areas of business, education, and science and technology: The majority of searches yielded citations, but many patrons stated that less than 50% of the citations generated were useful in their particular research. The majority felt that the librarians were helpful'and knowledgeable in searchihg. They also considered the cost to ' d be average (not too high or to law). The majority also would consider using this service again and would recommend it to their colleages and/or students.Thost-heard about the service from a colleague or from libr'ary publicity. Qf those patrOns who made additional comments, themajority were favorable, and only two were negative (one extremely so). These responses indicate that the librarians should be very careful and thorough in explaining searching capabilities and limitations. The con- clusion that less than.50% of,the citations generated were useful is a cause for further study.. There may be several reasons for this response--inap- 'propriate selection of databases ordescriptors, the Library did not own, the sources cited, or the patron aid not use interlibrary loan to get ad-- editional sources. A summary of patron responies and a sample survey are in- cluded in the Appendix. . k B. Recommendations 4 In the area of equipment the Reference Department has several recom- mendations. Searching is now done in a small office shared by two staff. members. The area can be v amped when a search is being done with the patront present. IdPAll separate rbom in the reference area could houe the terminal, telephon searching aids, supplies, and records. This room could also provide e space for practical demonstrations. While the present TI terminal has been reliable, it has some dis- advantages.:. A:terminal with a CRT (video screen) would give the patron a better view of the citations as they are generated. -Other univtrsities have used terminals with'CRTs and printers for several years. A micro- computer with a CRT, telephone coupler, and a printer would have the advantages of greater speed and patron visibility, and it could also be 8
  • 10. b 6 used for billing purposes,and record keeping. Storage oinformation now entered manually in the search 'log would be easily retrievable for statisti- cal analysis and billing purposes. / A proposed statistic sheet for the annual repOrt is included in the Appendix. The American N tional Standards Committee 739 has recently pub- lished a revised standard for library statistics, including online.biblio- graphic searching statistics, showing the importance of uniform statistics in this area. 4 The continued use of users' surveys is recommended to get feedback _from patrons. Other academic Carolina at Greensboro, 5 have Committee can Measurement and mended evaluation-form. 6 An libraries, such as the University of North conducted users: surveys, andthe ALA /RASD /MARS Evaluation of Service has published a recam- evaluation form could be given to every patron after the search%has been completed, or a survey could be conducted at Stated intervals (e.g., alternating spring and fall semesters during the academic year). The online bibliographic searching section of the Reference Staff Manual should be revised to reflect changes in procedures. [Some changes have already taken place--more Impo-rtance has been given to arranging appointments for searches instead of trying to do every search on a "walk-in" basis, and a npw request form is being used.] The staff should continue to give thorough explanations of searching capabilities during the interview, including asking the patron which printed indexes have been consulted and whether the patron has seen a search done before. [During the 1983-84 academic year the Library begah Wing a chart with a simple ERIC search'done both on- and offline to demonstrate both formats]. tati ics show uneveneness'in interest from faculty members (see Appendix). Perhaps additional public crelations aimed at the faculty could stabilize faculty interest. 10 1011t 4Library 1 Statistics Standard Published," College and Research Libraries News, ol. 45, no. 4 (April, 1984), p. 203. cia Kingley, "A Closer Look at the Hobgoblin: Users' Satisfaction with Computerized Literature Searches," North Carolina Libraries, vol. 40, no. 1 (Spring, 1982), pp.' 37-41. 6 Richard W. Blood, "Evaluation of Online Searches," ER, v. 22, no. 3 (Spring, 1983), Pp. 276-277. 9
  • 11. 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 APPENDIX TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES, 1977/78-1982/83 . 1 f- , , i , , III I , , 4 ,,, i . . ill i , it ,%! Mit L 11.1 4, 1 ili- T , . IIIIII ------1, 4H-- 77 tiot i 79 11"?' N T- . 1 $2 111111 - ---4 10 41/4 350 300 250 200 150 100 50
  • 12. 50 40 30 `20 10 0 7 50 40 30 20 10 0 8 APPENDIX -- 4 i nor E_SEARCEIES__15.Y__M1111. i i ! ! 92Z/1B : . . 81 [ 4 I -! 1 c . 4- ! I . j-- i 1 i . I . AkA111111 _c -:i Alk L _1 ___ _ -, _---.. I i N I 1111.111111.67 i I 1 I 1111111111.11V lirI O N D J F Mk 1 J A S . D J F M J JA ON DJ M A' , S n J F . 7/8 --t"-- , 0 -18 6 .42 2-- -5 -3--n. ; _tits'. IIII I I 15 i 23 1 i 13 4-29 29 :i ! i 6 16 21-44-'1i i 1 ,N11111rAlliniwIl" Ai I I Willi"AM 1' MIIIIIIIIIIMII I I 1 . S 0 N D _/2 12 -72 6 . F. M A M 0- 13-- 2 14___10___ .1 15 1 . A_S. O.__ 82/3 il___J_E_M M J. _J_A. _______ 12- ._____ ____ . _; _ ___ 1 11 15' 32 .18 :___29 - 117 - 3 0 1529_ 5a : - ,- , . _ I t , , ---1- - . r _i_ _____.. _._._ ...' , , _i . . , , .._,......,_ ! , ,.. , i 1 --+ I ----1- 1 i I i 1 I I _ 1 L I ' ! 1 ; ' 1 I i ! ! . --i-- . , 1 i 1 , --4 1 . 1 ! i 1___ ___:____, 1 . 1 . ---,.- ' . --.-- .__ _____ , 1 _l____.- ; 1 1 i .-- 1 i ! ._____ .k.__ - ------,-- i 4- -1- il ____I. .____4 . -4-- . - : 1 I . ' , I, I ° 11 12 0 0 0 0
  • 13. 15 125 100 50 25 APPENDIX TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY FACULTY, 1977/78- 1982/83 ---- . , , 1 , I i t2. 1 I.. ±fl. - _ __ _ - '1 I .1 1 Al I -. 7 , II 1 A 1 4 i . , ,. . , t-- . 1 77/78 I I (17) 8/12 39) 79/8 (135 c .5 80/81 44) 81/82 t39) _ 82/83 (1,56 1: L .1___ 1 r in coda orrplete) .. l , 1 : 13
  • 14. 1125 100 75 50 25 0 APPENDIX TOTAL NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY GRADUATE STUDENTS, 1977/78-1982/83 __-__ L . . . . i . . 1 . r . ' . ' i 4 t -I I t- , 2178 78i 79 79/30 80 81 (34) 01i82 f47) 82/81 125) (12) ( 9) --inoomplbte) (records ,. , 14
  • 15. t. APPENDIX MOST FREQUENTLY SEARCHED DATABASES 1977/78-1982/83 ACADEMIC YEAR NAME OF DATABASE NUMBER OF TIMES 1977-78 1978-79 19480 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 Medline ERIC Chemical Abstracts Psychinfo Medline ERIC NTIS Social Scisearch Medline EC P. chinfo Biosis Social Scisearch Medlin ERIC Georef Chemical Abstracts ERIC Medlin ABI/INFORM Psychinfo ERIC Chemical Abstracts Medline Compendex Exceptional Child Educ. Res. SEARCHED 5 4 3 3 12 6 6 5 66 26 17 11 8 33 26 8 6 43 12 8 6 83 39 34 18 18 4 15
  • 16. , APPENDIX AVERAGE COSTOF ONLINE BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHING FOR MOST ACTIVE BASES, 1982-83 /No Compendex Psychinfo $25.83 20.09 ABI/INFORM 13.97 Chemical Abstracts (per file) 13.44 Exceptidnal Child Education Resources_ 11.99 ERIC 7.39 MEDLINE 6.20 AVERAGE COST OF SEARCH $14.13
  • 17. Name DATABASE SEARCH REQUEST Faculty Graduate Other' Date Address (or Department and Campus Box) O Telephone Home .Work Means of Payment Cash 'Check Charge7 (acct. no.) I am authorized to charge this search to the I agreit to,pay all charges in connection account number provided. with this search. (Signature) (Signature). SUBJECT OF SEARCH (please be as specific as possible, including relevent terms, etc.) RESTRICTIONS , age level, language, geographic area, dates, human, animal) PLEASE LIST ANY PRINTED SOURCES ALREADY CONSULTED (e.g., reference books,, periodical ,indexes) To be filled in by library staff DATABASE (name and number) DESCRIPTORS PRINTS Online Offline OFFLINE PRINTS RECEIVED PATRON NOTIFIED PATRON PICKUP (date) (date) (date) ti Search no. Interviewer/Searcher
  • 18. SELECTED DATABASES _ (Subject to frequent price changes) BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS database coverage cost/$ ABI/INFORM (Data Couriec) 1971-date 73/hr DISCLOSURE II 1980-date 60/hr ECONOMICS Abstracts International 1974-date 65 /hr MANAGEMENT CONTENTS 1974;date 75/hr PTS FUNK & SCOTT INDEXES (Predicasts, Inc.) 1972-date 90/hr print charge/cit .30 10.00 .20 .30 .25 GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS AND siNTERDISCIPLINARY ASI (American Statistics Index) 1973-date 90/hr _15 CIS (Congressional Information Service) 1970-date 90/hr , .25 COMPREHENSIVE DISSERTATION INDEX 1861-date 70/hr .20 MEDICINE MEDLARS (Medline, Toxline, Chomline, Cancerpro, etc.) 1966-date 15/hr .18/page SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BIOSIS REVIEWS (Biological Abtracts) 1969-date 58/hr .15 CA (American Chem. Society) 1967-date 64 /hr .20 COMPENDEX (Engineering Index, Inc.) 1970-date 80/hr .30 ENERGYLINE 1971-date 94 ihr .25 FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ABSTRACTS 1969-date 65/hr GEOARCHIVE (Geosystems) 1969-date 70 hr GEOREF 1961-date 82 hr INSPEC 1969-date 7 /hr ISMEC (Inst. Mech. Engrs.) 1973-date 73/hr METADEX (Metal Abstracts)1966-dote 80/hr POLLUTION (Pollution Abstracts) 1970-date 73/hr .20 SCISEARCH (Science Citation Index) 1974-date 65/hr .15 SSIE (Smithsonian Science Information Exchange) latest 2 yrs.78/hr .20 .15 .20 .20 .25 .20 .15 18 SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES AMERICA: History and Life 1984-date 65/hr .15 ARTBIBUOGRAPHIES MODERN 1974-date 60/hr '.15 ERIC 1966-dans 25/hr .10 EXCEPTIONAL CHILD EDUCATION RESOURCES 1966-date 25/hr .10 HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS ."1973-date 65 /hr.. .15 LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE BEHAVIOR ABSTRACTS 1973-date 55/hr .15 MLA BIBLIOGRAPHY 1976-date 55/hr 't .15 NICEM (National Information Center for Educational Media) 1964-dote 70/Iy--, .20 PAIS INTERNATIONAL 1976-date 60/hr ' .15 RILM ABSTRACTS (Repertoire Inter. Litt. Musicale) ' 1;-.72-date 65/hr .15 TJ SOCIOLOGICAL ABSAOTS* 41 SOCIAL SCISEARCH 1972-date 75/hr .15 1963.date 55/hr ..15 PSYCINFO 1967-date 65/hr . .10 UNITED STATES POUTICAL SCIENCE DOCUMENTS 1975-date 65/hr - .15 NO; 4119111111,1 ? LAMAR UNIVERSITY .11%. Title VI (C. R. Act 1964); Exec. Ord. 11246; Title IX; Sec. 504 (Rehab. Act 1973). Inquiries refer to Office of the President, Lamar University; . . COMPUTERIZED LITERATVRE SEARCH SERVICE lit MARY AND JOHN GRAY LIBRARY 19
  • 19. A COMPUTERIZED LITERATURE, .4 WHERE ARE THE DATABASES SEARCH SERVICE Computerized ,literature searching is an automated method of scanning in so that one may compile bibliographies on -specific subjects. These indexes, known as databases, represent the equivalent of many of our hard-copy indexes and abstracts, and calow ready 'access to the information through a local computer terminal telephone node. Lamar Gray library has access to more than 100 databases. These are available through MEDLARS of the National Library of Medicine (Washington, D.C.), DIALOG of Lockheed (Palo Alto, CA), and ORBIT/of Systems Development Corporation (Santa Monica, CA). WHAT DO THEY COVER? Databases cover a wide variety of subjects in the social sciences, science and technology, business and econo-mics, education, and -a few in the humanities. The average retrospective coverage for most bases ten years. MANUAL VERSUS COMPUTER SEARCH A computer search is preferable when rapid access to current literature is necessary, when a large number of terms describe a topic, when a topic is too new or specific fipri establishment' of a subject term, or when two or more ideas are combined. A typical example of the latter might be a search on "increased energy development and ifs resulting effect on air quality." Both concepts, "energy development" and "air quality", can be combined on the terminal and the bibliography will contain only those articles which discuss both concepts. ON-LINE OR OFF-LINE Edch citation provides full bibliographic information. Some databases also include abstracts. Depending upon the number of citations to be printed, it is often advisable to have them printed "off-line." and'mailed. The cost of off-line is per citation rather than on an hourly basis and consequently considerably less than 6n-line printing. YES HOW DOES ONE DO A SEARCH? Fill in a search,request form andschedule an interview with a Reference Librarian (ext. 8128). Both of these steps are necessary to insure a quality search.' The searcher needs'to know your specific needs and crIlstricting parameters. OnceMCe search request and interview are finalized, fhe librarian bsually will run the search within 24 hours. Off-line printing will be received within- a week. A list of some of the databases available to us in several broad subject categories is listed on the back of this brochure. Please keep in mind that this is a select list. For a complete list of accpstible databases, contact the reference department staff. COSTS Database access is provided to the library on a charge basis. The patron assumes the direct costs. Recent studies indicate that an average search costs $28.00.. However, the costs vary widely with construction of the search strategy and the database accessed. The list of databases includes hourly and Off- line printing charges. Individuals may pay by personal check at the time a bibliography printout is-picked up or it may be charged to a University or grant account.
  • 20. MEMORANDUM NOV. 4, 1983 DATE: TO: FROM: REFERENCE DEPARTMENT,' GRAY LIBRARY suwEcr: COMPUTER. SEARCHING' LAMAR UNIVERSITY In order to improve our service to library patrons; the Gray Library .Reference Department is evaluating its computer searching service. We are asking library patrons who have had recent searches done to please fill, out the enclosed questionnaire and-return it to Box 10021 by Nov. 18. We would appreciate your taking the time to complete this form and return it in the addressed envelope provided. Please detach your name from this.negorandum to insure confidentiality. Thank you'for your assistance. A 9 1/4 C,
  • 21. LAMAR UNIVERSITY MARY and JQHN GRAY LIBRARY Box 10021 Lamar University Station Beaumont, Texas 77710 November 4, 1983 COMPUTER SEARCHING OPINION QUESTIONNAIRE 1. What is your university status?. Graduate student // Faculty /(one person Other (please specify) checked, both) 2. What was the subject area of your.search? (please circle) Business.5-hducationSIEngineering2 Health3' Humaraties/ Other (please specify) Biology 3 Psychology.? Computer Science / Covernmentd/ 3. Were any citations generated by your search? Yes 2d No / 4. How many of the. citations were, useful in your research? Less than 50%/3 51%!4to 75% .1/ More than 75% 5 Was the librariap helpful in explaining computer search capabilities, procedures, and costs? Yes 20 No _;e.V 6 Did'the librarian seem knowledgeable in searching techniques and subject matter? Yes & No 02, 7. If you paid the costs <,of youy search, do you feel that the costs were: Too high About average /02. Did not pay"for search 8. INbuld you consider using this service again? Yes/7 No 9. Would you-recommend this service to your colleagues and/or students? Yes 4 No a-- TO. How did you hear about the computer search service? From a colleague *g From library publicity l0 From a library orientation .3 Other (please specify) Professor o2 Research Council / 11. Any additional comments: Favorable Unfavorable PLEASE DETACH FROM INTRA-CAMPUS ID II RANDUM AND RETURN BY AA/. 18. THANK YOU. . 23
  • 22. 75 50 25 0 DATABASE SEARCHTNC STATTSTTCS ACADEMIC YEAR Total number of searches Number of searches for faci(ty Number of searches for graduate students Number of searches for library staff Number of searches for non-Lamar patrons Number of databases.searches Most frequently searched databases 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Times searched Average cost V Average cost of database search NUMBER OF SEARCHES BY MONTH a 1 r --ft---N A