A software research and development project for the U.S. Department of Energy provided an opportunity to explore the information-seeking behavior of energy researchers. The DOE project, entitled “Online Access to Knowledge,” or “OAK,” is developing a microcomputer interface for improving end-user access to energy databases. Interviews with 18 researchers and 34 search intermediaries in energy-related fields indicate a reliance on databases as sources of information. The interview data suggest a migration of searchers toward commercial systems that offer the widest choice of database coverage. Despite previous efforts to encourage direct use of RECON databases, most energy researchers interviewed preferred that others do their searching for them. Librarians and technical information specialists, although recognizing the potential for researchers to use databases directly, doubted that such use will be common in the near future. However, this and other studies suggest a trend towards first-hand use of databases by end-users in the energy field, particularly younger researchers. Preliminary testing of the OAK software indicates that end-users will search, if provided with adequate tools. These findings are discussed in the light of previous research on the information gathering habits of scientists and engineers.
['Donald O. Case', 'Christine L. Borgman', 'Charles T. Meadow']
End-user information-seeking in the energy field: implications for end-user access to DOE/RECON databases