Relevance judging, evaluation, and decision making in virtual libraries: a descriptive study

  • Authors:
  • Mary Ann Fitzgerald;Chad Galloway

  • Affiliations:
  • Univ. of Georgia, Athens;Univ. of Geogia, Athens

  • Venue:
  • Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
  • Year:
  • 2001

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Abstract

This study explored higher-order thinking processes in undergraduates using a virtual library. Ten undergraduates pursuing topics pertaining to their academic work were interviewed and observed as they used GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online, a virtual library containing many scholarly databases). Specifically, the study focused on relevance judging, evaluation (critical thinking), and decision making. We found a high degree of intermingling between relevance judging and evaluation, along with a number of strategies participants used to assist them in both thinking processes. Also, participants made decisions through one of three avenues in each of their appraisals of online resources.