In search of a good novel, neither reading activity nor querying matter, but examining search results does

Abstract

Borrowing novels is a major activity in public libraries. However, the interest in developing tools for fiction searching and analyzing the use of these tools is minor. It is studied how tools provided by an enriched public library catalogue are used to access novels to read. 58 users searched for interesting novels to read in a simulated situation where they had only a vague idea of what they would like to read. Data consist of search logs, pre and post search questionnaires and observations. For analyzing associations between novel reading activity, search variables and search success Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Based on this information, path models were built for predicting search success, i.e. the interest ratings of the novels found. Investing effort on examining results improves search success, i.e. finding interesting novels, whereas effort in querying has no bearing on it. Novel reading activity was not associated with search process and effort and success variables observed. The results suggest, that in designing systems for fiction retrieval, enriching result presentation with more detailed book information would benefit users in identifying good novels.