Bellardo, T. (1985). What do we really know about online searchers? Online Review, 9(3), 223-39.

Abstract 3

Trudi Bellardo’s article, based upon her dissertation, explores what skills or attributes make good online researchers. She summarizes earlier studies to conclude that we still don’t really know, earlier studies were inconclusive, and more research is needed. Bellardo notes earlier “opinionative literature” finding that “only the most intelligent and personable of information professionals can be good search intermediaries” (223)—an “elite” naturally imbued with particular intellectual or personality traits. (224) However, experiments to test for various attributes, including Bellardo’s own research, typically revealed weak associations, if any, with quality research. Experienced online searchers made clear errors as often as novices, and novices made relatively few clear errors. Experience helped, but less than expected; more experienced searchers were somewhat quicker, more flexible, and willing to experiment, but novices learned simple search techniques quickly, experienced searchers didn’t use all the tools available to them, effective search strategies were challenges for both groups, and experienced searchers’ results were not much better. Both groups showed wide variation, with some sharp novices along with some weak experienced searchers. Searchers’ institutional affiliations affected their cost- and time-consciousness, but not search quality. More training produced modest differences in search quality that did not persist over the long term. Bellardo identified and tested four separate searcher personality types—aggressive; artistic/creative; independent/analytical/curious; and sympathetic/nurturing—and found slightly better results from the artistic and independent sorts, not the others who had qualities previously assumed to be crucial. Thus, the key ingredients creating a savvy online researcher remained a mystery in 1985—and still today.