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 qualitative study examines first-year college students' online search habits in order to identify patterns in millennials' mental models of information retrieval. The study employed a combination of modified contextual inquiry and concept mapping methodologies to elicit students' mental models. The researcher confirmed previously observed…

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…

This collection of search formulations was assembled to assist in Dialog Searching of the ERIC data base. The formulations represent modular building blocks or concepts that occur frequently when searching this file. They have been formulated and described in such a way that they can be used as given, or they can be modified to suit specific…

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…

Students of reference work need help in developing search strategies. The general knowledge of the student and the size of the collection should be considered, then decision factors such as language, time available, amount of information required and space can be ranked. (2 references) (DH)

This library skills test was designed to assess university students' knowledge of and ability to use sources of information commonly found in a college or university library with a particular emphasis on the literature of political studies. It is divided into three parts: (1) matching and completion questions assessing students' familiarity with…

The results of the second 18 months (December 15, 1968-June 30, 1970) of effort toward developing an Information Processing Laboratory for research and education in library science is reported in six volumes. This volume contains: basic operating instructions, commands, scoring measures of association and a subject authority list. The data base…

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)

The results of the second 18 months (December 15, 1968-June 30, 1970) of effort toward developing an Information Processing Laboratory for research and education in library science is reported in six volumes. This volume contains: the rationale and description, definitions, index and coding key, retrieval procedures, and examples. This manual is…

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)