Peer training in expert searching: the observation effect

The purpose of this study is to determine if searchers' observing each others' search processes is an effective training method and if sharing through observation can strengthen search skills. A shared email account was established among all public services librarians conducting literature...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the Medical Library Association 2005, Vol.93 (1), p.69-73
Main Authors: VIEIRA, Dorice L, DUNN, Kathel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cooperative Behavior
Ehrman Medical Library
Exact sciences and technology
Experts
Health care
Humans
Information and communication sciences
Information processing and retrieval
Information retrieval. Man machine relationship
Information science. Documentation
Intermediaries
Interpersonal Relations
Librarians
Libraries
Libraries, Medical - standards
Library and information science. General aspects
Medical school libraries
Medicine
Models, Educational
New York
New York University
Online information retrieval
Online Systems - standards
Peer Group
Peer tutoring
Professional aspects
Professional Competence - standards
Program Evaluation
Sciences and techniques of general use
Searches
Searching
Skill development
Symposium
Training
United States
University libraries
USA
User training
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Summary:The purpose of this study is to determine if searchers' observing each others' search processes is an effective training method and if sharing through observation can strengthen search skills. A shared email account was established among all public services librarians conducting literature searches at the Ehrman Medical Library. Three questionnaires were sent to the public services librarians soliciting input on the shared-search process. The results were analyzed for this study. The shared-search process has helped searchers become more effective in searching. Colleagues' viewing of the search results is a major factor influencing the searchers' performance. Easy to implement, the peer-training model is an effective way to train searchers as well as help keep skills up to date.
ISSN:1536-5050
1558-9439