Clicks, Queries, and Searches: Uncovering User Behavior Through Transaction Log Analysis

This study investigates how transaction log analysis can give insights into the behavior and preferences of AnimoSearch users. Three research questions are addressed in the study: (1) What are the most popular search terms? (2) What are the most often used facets? (3) How do different user segments’ search behaviors differ? Findings revealed that exploratory searches were significantly more frequent than known item searches. The most frequently used facets in AnimoSearch were the “Top Level” facet, “Resource Type” facet, and “Date Slider” facet. For basic searching, limiting the search scope to physical resources was the most popular choice across all user segments, and articles were the most frequently selected resource type. The findings provided significant insights that could improve the delivery of research trainings as well as assist developers and vendors in better aligning the design and functionality of the service with user needs.