Use patterns of e-journals among the science community: a transaction log analysis

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evidence-based patterns of e-journal usage, such as the most used and least used databases, at a public-sector university in Pakistan, by analysing scientists’ usage of databases over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Through transaction log analysis, the frequencies of page views, sessions, session duration and size of the used data were calculated through SAWMILL software and entered into MS Excel.

Findings

The results revealed that the broad databases of science and engineering were being used more by users as compared to the narrower e-journal databases. Furthermore, the users were mostly accessing the e-journal databases from the university’s central library and its various academic departments. Early morning hours, working days and start of the academic year were found to be the most active timings of e-journal database utilisation.

Practical implications

The results of the study will help the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and information professionals in better access management of databases.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to check the feasibility of a PhD project’s first phase and presents the frequencies of HEC e-journal databases’ usage by using transaction log analysis method. The results will be used in preparing interview guide and sample selection for interview. Other Central Asian studies used COUNTER reports provided by publishers for log analysis instead of using raw log data.

Accès aux ressources numériques et leur utilisation par les enseignants : Résultats d’un sondage

Cet article fait état des résultats d’une recherche menée auprès d’enseignants du niveau préscolaire et primaire d’une commission scolaire de l’Outaouais. Le questionnaire en ligne soumis aux enseignants comportait quatre sections : informations générales, recherche d’information, volet pédagogique de l’exploitation de l’information, ressources documentaires et numériques. Les résultats montrent que les enseignants ont des habitudes et des pratiques de recherche d’information semblables à celles des étudiants universitaires. Ils permettent également de constater que l’intégration de la recherche d’information en classe demeure exceptionnelle. Cette recherche révèle comment les enseignants accèdent aux ressources numériques et documentaires et les utilisent ensuite dans le cadre de leurs activités pédagogiques.

Virtual reference/query log pairs: a window onto user need

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate users' virtual reference queries in concert with their search histories to better understand user needs and motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper initially examines one semester of data, including both search histories and user questions, from a database platform virtual reference service. These data were used to develop categories of frequently occurring search problems. One year of further data (n=90) is then coded and analyzed with these categories for problems exhibited in search histories and user questions.

Findings

It was found that one‐third of users display a misunderstanding of what content they could expect to find in library databases. Users treated the databases examined as a one‐stop shop for their daily information needs. There was a positive correlation between number of databases simultaneously searched and number of searches users performed before seeking help. Additionally, it was found that users recognize when they have problems with search strategy, but they are disproportionally concerned with term selection as the cause of their trouble rather than other problems with search mechanics (i.e. Boolean operators.)

Practical implications

The results of this study illustrate commonalities in users' expectations of what they may search for, find, or do in a database. It shows what tends to lead users to seek help with their searching, exposes how the systems can lead users astray, and illustrates basic misunderstandings of what content can be found in library databases.

Originality/value

This study is the first virtual reference study that examines users' search histories in concert with their reference queries.