Intranet Users’ Information-Seeking Behaviour: An Analysis of Longitudinal Search Log Data

Abstract

Today’s knowledge workers rely increasingly on information to get their job done, and the availability of search engines to locate relevant information is thus essential. Understanding how users interact with search engines is a prerequisite for the successful design of useful systems and a body of knowledge has in recent years begun to compile. However, all previous studies have focused on the public web, not acknowledging the fact that much business-related information seeking occur on corporate internal networks. In this exploratory study, we have collected and analysed intranet search engine log files from three different years – 2000, 2002, and 2004 – enabling us to detect shifting trends in intranet search behaviour. Comparing our data to what has been reported from the public web we conclude that intranet searchers are both similar to and different from searchers on the public web. In sum, it appears that intranet users are more extreme in their behaviour and that qualitative studies are needed to understand the motives and rationales governing their actions.