End‐user searches and search path maps: a discussion

Examines the development of online public access catalogues of the last 15 years and how this has promoted the use of automated information retrieval systems. Investigates how end‐users use the system available to them and the type of subject searches which they carry out. Compares two techniques for mapping searches. Concludes that there is a need for effective diagnosis and monitoring methods and an efficient method of analysis of end‐user use is essential.