An Exploratory Study on the Re-finding Behavior on the Web
Resource
Journal of Library and Information Studies, 8(1), pp.29-57
Journal
圖書資訊學刊
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
1
Pages
29-57
Date Issued
2010-06
Date
2010-06
Author(s)
Huang, Yuan-Ho
Pu, Hsiao-Tieh
Abstract
It is common for users to relocate information previously found on the web. However, their search behaviors in initial finding and the subsequent re-finding may differ due to the dynamic nature and contextual diversity of the web. This study used experiment, observation, interview, and questionnaires to investigate the characteristics of re-finding behavior and compare users’ performance in finding and re-finding. Though not significantly different, the study participants used more search tools, combined various strategies to obtain contextual clues of finding process, utilized more complex search tactics, and had more interactions with search engines used. Findings also show that participants spent less time in re-finding than in finding, yet the cognitive loading and difficulties increased in re-finding. Participants were satisfied with the results obtained in re-finding, but they also claimed that the search performance would be better if the system offered more functions to support recall of previous search results. Participants’ satisfaction with search performance also varied by task type. Based on the findings, this study recommends that re-finding efficiency may be improved by enhancing recall functionalities in browsers and by using personal information management tools.
Subjects
Web Information Search Behavior
Information Finding
Information Re-finding
Personal Information Management
Publisher
Department of Library and Information Science, National Taiwan University
Type
journal article
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