A comparative study of major OPACs in selected academic libraries for developing countries - User study and subjective user evaluation

The lack of an understanding of the characteristics, skills, and searching abilities of a specific user group in computer-based information systems hinders library and information science professionals in making the best decisions when designing, acquiring and managing information systems. The objective of this study was to provide information on the characteristics of a specific group of international college students from a developing country, in order to assist system managers in the selection of OPACs. The major conclusions of this study are: (1) academic level of study and age of the students affect the preference for the type of OPAC system selected, but the academic major of the students does not affect the preference; (2) system designers should prepare more specific instructions regarding searching methods; (3) system designers should focus on the design of the system menu, since the most common method of learning about OPAC systems was the instructions in the menu; and (4) menu-driven systems should be the first selection of OPAC systems for Korean students. Recommendations are proposed when designing, adopting, or managing a new OPAC system. Topics for further studies on the characteristics of OPAC systems and their use are also suggested. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.