User Expectations on Online Library Catalogs: Ankara University and Hacettepe University Libraries

Abstract

Developing web-technologies contribute to the formation of the next generation library catalogs by increasing functions of the online library catalogs, which has an important role in access to information resources. With their improved features, the next-generation library catalogs, keeping interaction, sharing, and participation in the forefront, creates a significant impact on users’ access to information sources and using of these resources. In this study, the aim is to determine the way of user utilization of online library catalogs by means of their information seeking behavior and to indicate their needs/expectations about bringing social networking features to these catalogs. Within the scope of the study, where a descriptive method was used, structured interviews were conducted among 179 users in Ankara University and Hacettepe University. The results of the study shows that users first applied to search engines in their information search behavior. They preferred library catalogs at the third place They mostly want to see the information providing access to contents of resources in library catalogs, and pay special attention to the elements such as faceted structures and spelling algorithms for access.