1.3 Evaluating the results of the search

Table of Contents

1. Validity of information
2. Reliability criteria
3. Measuring the success of a search
4. Structuring and saving of search results
   1. Ordering results
   2. Bibliographic references
   3. Archiving searches
   4. Frequently asked questions
   5. Updating data

Frequently asked questions

One good example of a library database of frequently asked questions is Edinburgh University's "Ask a Librarian".

We think you will agree that this facility is very easy to use. Note how, in addition to answering the questions, the site points the enquirer to further sources of information by means of hyperlinks.

If your library service does not have a formal service-wide system like this, you should consider setting up a simple version for yourself and colleagues at your service point. This is relatively simple to do using a database package available in your library.

Let's have a look now at Updating data...