When patrons "click" with the library's literature searches: using data from a novel link generation process to assess patron engagement with literature search results.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the core services the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Virtual Library (WRHAVL) provides is literature searching for healthcare staff. Librarians send results to patrons as a reference list with links to the items identified. To improve access to the library's collection, and to understand patrons' engagement, the library developed a novel process for generating trackable links. Link and click data were analyzed to assess patron engagement with the literature search service.

Methods: Leveraging the link management tool Short.io and a Visual Basic for Applications macro, the library uses an automated process to generate trackable links for literature search results sent to patrons. Click and link data are automatically collected in Short.io. Data from 19 October 2022 to 31 October 2024 was cleaned and exported into Excel for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted in R.

Results: Over the two-year study period, librarians sent 344 literature searches to patrons using this method. Patrons clicked at least one link in 194, or 56%, of reference lists. The percentage of total links clicked was higher for point of care and quick reference resources. Greater numbers of digital object identifier (DOI) and PubMed identifier (PMID) links included in a literature search predicted a decrease in the odds of someone clicking at least one link. Patrons clicked more than 20 links in only 10, or just 3%, of literature searches.

Discussion: The data provides valuable insights into patron engagement with the WRHAVL's literature search service. The discovery that 44% of reference lists did not have a single click warrants further investigation.