Journal article
Stylometric features in librarian's responses to user queries: implications for user interaction in digital information services
Global knowledge, memory and communication
16 Aug 2022
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explore linguistic stylometric patterns encompassing lexical, syntactic, structural, sentiment and politeness features that are found in librarians' responses to user queries.
Design/methodology/approach - A total of 462 online texts/transcripts comprising answers of librarians to users questions drawn from the Internet Public Library were examined. A Principal Component Analysis, which is a data reduction technique, was conducted on the texts and transcripts. Data analysis illustrates the three principal components that predominantly occur in librarians' answers: stylometric richness, stylometric brevity and interpersonal support.
Findings - The results of the study have important implications in digital information services because stylometric features such as lexical richness, structural clarity and interpersonal support may interplay with the degree of complexity of user queries. the (a)synchronous communication mode, application of information service guideline and manuals and overall characteristics and quality of a given digital information service. Such interplay may bring forth a direct impact on user perceptions and satisfaction regarding interaction with librarians and the information service received through the computer-mediated communication channel.
Originality/value - To the best of the authors' knowledge, the stylometric features encompassing lexical, syntactic, structural, sentiment and politeness using Principal Component Analysis have not been explored in digital infomiation/reference services. Thus, there is an emergent need to explore more fully how linguistic stylometric features interplay with the types of user queries, the asynchronous online communication mode, application of information service guidelines and the quality of a particular digital information service.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Stylometric features in librarian's responses to user queries: implications for user interaction in digital information services
- Creators
- Jung Ran Park - Drexel UniversityErik Poole - Drexel UniversityJiexun Li - Western Washington University
- Publication Details
- Global knowledge, memory and communication
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing
- Number of pages
- 16
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Information Science; Urban Health Collaborative; Thomas R. Kline School of Law
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000840105800001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85135848744
- Other Identifier
- 991021812429804721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Information Science & Library Science