Users (and most of us) don’t understand cataloging. That’s OK. But the more you understand how your catalog is constructed, but more effective searcher you will be.
Searching is a complex process and involved trial and failure, negotiation between the patron, staff member, and catalog system. Factors that affect a given search include the type of cataloging records being searched, the size and nature of the collection, the design of the automated system, and the user’s knowledge.
Users don’t know how library catalogs are organized, and shouldn’t have to! While we provide bibliographic instruction and training, we can’t expect patrons to have the same level of knowledge that we have with our experience using the catalog every day. But users are the ONLY judges as to whether the search made by them or for them found what they wanted and needed. That’s why the follow-up question in the reference interview is so critically important.
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