Very few formal studies have documented the errors committed in online searching performances, and none have focused exclusively on students in library and information science programs. To fill this gap, the authors conducted a content analysis of online searching errors of MLIS students based upon a coding scheme derived from previous error…

This article is an exploratory study of student behavior using online tools to do project-based work for a library science course at a mid-sized Midwestern public university. The population was 22 net generation students aged 18-24, who were enrolled in an Introduction to Information Resources course. The study was designed to better understand…

In the last issue, this journal asked a question on many librarians' minds, and it was pleased with the depth and variety of responses. As suggested by this journal editorial board member Oliver Pesch, readers were asked, "Many libraries have gone to federated searching to win users back from Google. Is it working?" Respondents approached the…

This study examined the importance of negative searching, or searching to discover topics not previously explored in writing, and its oversight in the library literature. A survey of university faculty revealed a tendency to view negative searching as necessary to scholarly endeavors, but an online literature search showed little discussion of…

Library use and user studies (1973-1981) indexed in ERIC database were analyzed to ascertain areas in need of research as characterized by Tobin. Since 1972, most research conducted has been in large-scale studies and use of nonprint materials; use of government documents and library staff needs remain unresearched areas. (35 references) (EJS)

This study examined the use of advanced search commands and the Journal Name Finder database of DIALOG to simplify collection and processing of posting information for 42 library and information science serials (1966-1996) in six databases. Presents types of deficiencies in journal coverage that may yield incomplete search results and distort…

Two conceptions of domain analysis in library and information science emphasize theories of knowledge and study of literatures. Studies of information seeking and use can make an important contribution to domain analysis, and help integrate the two approaches. As understanding of information use develops, models can be constructed that represent…

Shares information gathered from a three-day librarian conference in Monterey, California. Compares and contrasts several search engines and offers tips for effective searching. Discusses the efficacy and legality of censorware and how to stay employed during times of cutbacks and downsizing. (AEF)

An on-line bibliographic search on evaluating computerized bibliographic data bases and systems, which was performed in the ERIC data base, led the authors to recommend several aspects of online searching for more relevant search results in library and information science literature. (Author/JD)

Summarizes the findings of a recent study on the indexing practices used in the Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) database. Descriptors, or indexing terms, from the thesaurus are analyzed; searching implications are discussed; and the relationship between the classification code and the descriptors is examined. (Contains 21…

Explains an interdisciplinary framework for library information science, especially information retrieval, which considers sociocultural context of search terms in a way that the cognitivist information processing paradigm does not. Limitations of cognitivist information processing conceptions are discussed, as well as the possible effects of the…

This discussion of experimental information retrieval focuses on the mathematical and statistical skills needed by students in librarianship and information studies. Theoretical approaches to document representation, query representation, database searching, and evaluation are reviewed, and changes in library schools' curriculum are suggested.…