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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Keywords
- Information Retrieval
- Search Behavior
- Information Retrieval System
- Information Seek
- Computer Support Cooperative Work
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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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
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