Information Retrieval Skills in Web Environment

Abstract

In this research, the information retrieval (IR) skills in web environment are newly defined as professional skills and knowledge for traditional information retrieval in conjunction with digital skills described by van Deursen. To assess the status of IR skills in Japan, an online questionnaire-based survey was conducted in August 2014. Ultimately, 1,551 participants responded. The results showed the following trends among the participants: (1) not using advanced search technique such as Boolean operator, (2) understanding the format of information on web, (3) carefully choosing search terms, (4) evaluating multiple search results based on certain evaluation criteria, and (5) feeling that they receive benefits from the Internet. Moreover, based on the hierarchical clustering analysis of their information retrieval skills, the participants were categorized into eight clusters. One of the clusters comprised the participants with highly performing IR skills. The characteristics of this cluster members included relatively younger generation, males, highly educated, high critical thinking ability, and high self-efficiency. Although this cluster members achieved the highest average scores on each IR skill, their scores on search technique skills were significantly less developed than those on other skills.