An investigation of user attitudes toward search engines as an information retrieval tool

After the Internet has gained great popularity at homes and schools, there is much information on the Web. Today, one of the primary uses of the Internet is information retrieval from search engines. The main purpose of the current study is to develop and examine an individual attitude model towards search engines as a tool for retrieving information. This model integrates individual computer experience with perceptions. In addition, it also combines perception theories, such as technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivation, in order to understand individual attitudes toward search engines. The results show that individual computer experience, quality of search systems, motivation, and perceptions of technology acceptance are all key factors that affect individual feelings to use search engines as an information retrieval tool. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.