Optimizing Library Search

Background and Rationale

The purpose of the study is to evaluate user preference and experience between using Google Scholar and USU’s discovery layer, Encore, as a starting point for research on the library homepage.

Research questions:

• What is the average completion time for tasks performed in Google Scholar versus tasks performed in Encore?

• How many actions or clicks does it take to perform tasks in Google Scholar versus in Encore?

• What are the benefits and/or drawbacks that users perceive when using Google Scholar versus Encore to search for information?

Project Coding Procedures