Both libraries and database providers have an interest in the way users search,

Both libraries and database providers have an interest in the way users search, but only the database companies have access to the huge search logs of their discovery systems. Due to the critical stake of the commercial companies in search behavior, they also fund staff to analyze their search logs. Ex Libris has generously shared a summary of its research in this brief monograph. They use log analysis along with user studies and usability studies to improve the design of their Web interfaces. The user studies covered four academic levels, five countries and a dozen subject areas. The study concluded that “[d]iscovery consists of several core concepts:” search and find, learning, exploration, and personalization. Each is explained as they relate to the Ex Libris discovery service Primo, but the light that they shed on user search behavior is useful for any library.

http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/files/Products/Primo/HowDoUsersSearchandDis...