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Ref Type: Journal Article

Authors: Fagan,Jody Condit, Desai,Christina,

Title: Site search and instant messaging reference: A comparative study

Publication Full: Internet Reference Services Quarterly

Year: 2003 Volume: 8 Issue: 2-Jan

Start Page: 167 Other Pages: 182

Descriptors: REFERENCE services (Libraries), INSTANT messaging, INTERNET searching, WORLD Wide Web, ONLINE chat groups, ELECTRONIC mail systems, ONLINE information services, COMPARATIVE studies, chat, logs, online reference, Reference services, search engines, virtual reference,

Abstract:

Site search and online reference, using chat or instant messaging, are two new tools for providing electronic reference services in the online environment. This study compares patrons' use of Morris Library's Site Search and Morris Messenger, its online reference service, to analyze their perceptions and the results found with each. Researchers found they are perceived and used in similar ways despite their differing purposes and mechanics. Time of peak use, content and type of queries, and location of users are similar for both tools, whereas length of session and results found were quite different. Many users do not initially realize that Morris Messenger has a human behind the interface, or that Site Search is merely another keyword search engine, limited to library Web pages. The study confirms the need for real time, human help to fill information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]; Copyright of Internet Reference Services Quarterly is the property of Haworth Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Notes:

M3: Article; Accession Number: 27647816; Fagan, Jody Condit 1,2; Email Address: jfagan@lib.siu.edu; Desai, Christina 1,3; Email Address: cdesai@lib.siu.edu; Affiliations: 1: Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6632. 2: Social Sciences Librarian, Library Affairs, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6632. 3: Science Librarian, Library Affairs, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6632. Source Info: 2003, Vol. 8 Issue 1/2, p167; Thesaurus Term: REFERENCE services (Libraries); Thesaurus Term: INSTANT messaging; Thesaurus Term: INTERNET searching; Thesaurus Term: WORLD Wide Web; Thesaurus Term: ONLINE chat groups; Thesaurus Term: ELECTRONIC mail systems; Thesaurus Term: ONLINE information services; Subject Term: COMPARATIVE studies; Author-Supplied Keyword: chat; Author-Supplied Keyword: instant messaging; Author-Supplied Keyword: logs; Author-Supplied Keyword: online reference; Author-Supplied Keyword: Reference services; Author-Supplied Keyword: search engines; Author-Supplied Keyword: virtual reference; Number of Pages: 16p. Document Type: Article

Links: http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.libraries.rutgers.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=27647816&site=ehost-live

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Retrieved Date:January 1, 1970

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Issn Isbn: 10875301