title: Studying PubMed usages in the field for complex problem solving: Implications for tool design.
abstract: Many recent studies on MEDLINE-based information seeking have shed light on scientists' behaviors and associated tool innovations that may improve efficiency and effectiveness. Few if any studies, however, examine scientists' problem-solving uses of PubMed in actual contexts of work and corresponding needs for better tool support. Addressing this gap, we conducted a field study of novice scientists (14 upper level undergraduate majors in molecular biology) as they engaged in a problem solving activity with PubMed in a laboratory setting. Findings reveal many common stages and patterns of information seeking across users as well as variations, especially variations in cognitive search styles. Based on findings, we suggest tool improvements that both confirm and qualify many results found in other recent studies. Our findings highlight the need to use results from context-rich studies to inform decisions in tool design aboutwhento offer improved features to users.
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 734-332-8969.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mirel
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 734-936-1401.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 734-615-1528.
authors.forename: Jennifer Steiner
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tonks
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 734-615-7099.
authors.forename: Fan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 734-615-7009.
authors.forename: Weijian
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xuan
authors.affiliation: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of Michigan 48109 734-764-7427.
authors.forename: Rafiqa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ameziane