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

Authors

Andrew Asher, Bucknell UniversityFollow
Lynda M. Duke, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow
Suzanne Wilson, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2013

Description

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 was 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. On the quantitative benchmarks measured by this study, the EBSCO Discovery Service tool outperformed the other search systems in almost every category. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

Journal

College and Research Libraries

Comments

Pre-print version. This article is expected to be published in July 2013.

Recommended Citation

Asher, Andrew; Duke, Lynda M.; and Wilson, Suzanne. "Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources." College and Research Libraries (2013) .