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Users’ Information Search Behavior in a Professional Search Environment:

A Methodological Approach

  • Chapter
Professional Search in the Modern World

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 8830))

Abstract

Searching and retrieving information, especially in the context of a professional search environment, can be an arduous task. Professional search is defined as “interactive information retrieval performed by professionals in a specific domain” [1]. These searchers have competencies and skills in searching and as such demand high quality information retrieved and are willing to spend time to find the required information. This chapter aims to analyse research into users’ search behaviors in professional search enviroments. The method of systematic review was adopted and two types of studies were identified “system-centered” and “user-centered” studies. An emphasis was placed on the methods each type of study adopted to meet its purposes. It was found that system-centered studies employed mainly quantitative methods (Log analysis) to evaluate system’s performance and retrieval techniques whereas user-centered studies adopted mainly qualitative methods to provide an insight into users’ behaviors. In addition, system-centered studies examined users’ behavior as a series of clicks, search terms employed and features used to develop systems that satisfy user’s information needs. In contrast, user-centered studies explored users’ behavior with the view to identify the specific search processes, thoughts and decisions made while searching as well as the factors affecting their search behaviors. This chapter contributes to providing an understanding of both the methods and approaches adopted to study users’ behavior in a professional search environment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Library Science & Information Systems, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Egaleo, Athens, Greece

    Evgenia Vassilakaki

  2. Department of Library Science & Information Systems, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Sindos, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Emmanouel Garoufallou

  3. Dept. Languages, Information & Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

    Frances Johnson & R. J. Hartley

Authors
  1. Evgenia Vassilakaki
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  2. Emmanouel Garoufallou
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  3. Frances Johnson
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  4. R. J. Hartley
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Technology, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, WV1 1LY, Wolverhampton, UK

    Georgios Paltoglou

  2. Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus

    Fernando Loizides

  3. Swedish Institute of Computer Science, Isafjordsgatan 22, SE-164 28, Kista, Sweden

    Preben Hansen

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Vassilakaki, E., Garoufallou, E., Johnson, F., Hartley, R.J. (2014). Users’ Information Search Behavior in a Professional Search Environment:. In: Paltoglou, G., Loizides, F., Hansen, P. (eds) Professional Search in the Modern World. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8830. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12511-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12511-4_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-12510-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-12511-4

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