Year: 1989
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Jargon, or technical language, appears in both the writing and speech of librarians in their dealings with the public.If the library patron cannot comprehend this language, the reference transaction is impeded.This study measures students' comprehension of a selection of library terms that were derived from actual reference interviews and library handouts.A multiplechoice test was administered to a group of freshmen.''Thinking-aloud'' or protocol analyses were also run for information as to the reasoning processes used by the subjects.Given the results of this testing which show that patrons misunderstand library terms approximately half of the time, the researchers offer librarians a continuum of solutions.
Source: College & Research Libraries
Authors: Rachael Naismith, Joan Stein
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2035512645