Gooding, P. (2016) Exploring the information behaviour of users of Welsh newspapers online through web log analysis. Journal of Documentation, 72(2), pp. 232-246. (doi: 10.1108/JD-10-2014-0149)
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Abstract
Purpose – Webometric techniques have been applied to many websites and online resources, especially since the launch of Google Analytics (GA). To date, though, there has been little consideration of information behaviour in relation to digitised newspaper collections. The purpose of this paper is to address a perceived gap in the literature by providing an account of user behaviour in the newly launched Welsh Newspapers Online (WNO). Design/methodology/approach – The author collected webometric data for WNO using GA and web server content logs. These were analysed to identify patterns of engagement and user behaviour, which were then considered in relation to existing information behaviour. Findings – Use of WNO, while reminiscent of archival information seeking, can be understood as centring on the web interface rather than the digitised material. In comparison to general web browsing, users are much more deeply engaged with the resource. This engagement incorporates reading online, but users’ information seeking utilises website search and browsing functionality rather than filtering in newspaper material. Information seeking in digitised newspapers resembles the model of the “user” more closely than that of the “reader”, a value-laden distinction which needs further unpacking. Research limitations/implications – While the behaviour discussed in this paper is likely to be more widely representative, a larger longitudinal data set would increase the study’s significance. Additionally, the methodology of this paper can only tell us what users are doing, and further research is needed to identify the drivers for this behaviour. Originality/value – This study provides important insights into the underinvestigated area of digitised newspaper collections, and shows the importance of webometric methods in analysing online user behaviour.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Gooding, Professor Paul |
| Authors: | Gooding, P. |
| Subjects: | Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science |
| College/School: | College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Documentation |
| Publisher: | Emerald |
| ISSN: | 0022-0418 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1758-7379 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Documentation 72(2): 232-246 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy |
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