Do, or Do Not, Make Them Think?: A Usability Study of an Academic Library Search Box

Abstract

This usability study explores whether patrons prefer and are well-served by specialized, format-based searches or simpler, single-box searches, and the implications of these practices and preferences for information literacy. Qualitative data suggest that format-specific searches can confuse and slow down users and single-box searches are often faster and more successful. These findings highlight the potential conflict between user experience (UX) design and traditional conceptualizations of research and library-based search.

Publication Title

Journal of Web Librarianship

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