On the pitfalls of bibliographic database searching: comparing successful and less successful users

This article investigates individual factors that determine success and failure in bibliographic database searching. In line with previous research, we hypothesised that the low usability of advanced bibliographic database interfaces (e.g. OvidSP™) would hinder students in implementing their information-seeking knowledge. Furthermore, we assumed high conscientiousness and need for cognitive closure to drive students towards rigidly using such advanced interfaces, even if they overtax them. In a study with 116 psychology undergraduates, 3 types of searchers were identified by means of a cluster analysis: successful database users, unsuccessful database users, and no-database users (e.g. Google Scholar™ searchers). Multiple regression revealed the relationship between information-seeking knowledge and search success to be positive for no-database users and negative for unsuccessful database users: unsuccessful database users do not only have trouble putting their information-seeking knowledge into practice; high information-seeking knowledge even impairs their search success, presumably because it makes them use advanced functions that they are not yet able to master. T-tests revealed that unsuccessful users differ from successful users in terms of higher conscientiousness and need for cognitive closure. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of enhancing database interface usability and underline the crucial role of practical database instruction.