Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources | Zendy

Andrew Asher | Zendy; Lynda M. Duke | Zendy; Suzanne M. Wilson | Zendy

Open Access

Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

Author(s) -

Andrew Asher,

Lynda M. Duke,

Suzanne M. Wilson

Publication year - 2013

Publication title -

college and research libraries

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 1.886

H-Index - 52

eISSN - 2150-6701

pISSN - 0010-0870

DOI - 10.5860/crl-374

Subject(s) - computer science , world wide web , service (business) , information retrieval , library catalog , data science , library science , business , marketing

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

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