Presentation of search
results
Guidelines for
deliverables
tefkos@rutgers.edu; http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~tefko/
Tefko Saracevic
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Central ideas
A search is not finished with
the search
Effectiveness of results is
enhanced with proper
presentation
Added value
Tefko Saracevic
2
Goals
Create reports that
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delight
enlighten
assure
guide to next
In a format that is
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easy to interpret & use
maximize utilization for
decision-making
minimize information overload
But don’t go overboard
Tefko Saracevic
3
Why?
To enhance
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potential use of information
comprehension
assimilation
recall
user satisfaction
To save time for user
To boost your professional
position and success
Tefko Saracevic
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Basic considerations
Presentation is governed by
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user characteristics
user task
request
expected use
economics (time & money)
Form follows function
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there is no one-size-fits-all
deliverables are mostly customized
but standardized templates, forms,
packages may be used for given
occassion
Tefko Saracevic
5
Clues for customizing
Information about a desired
deliverable are gathered

from user – interview, request
 user model

analysis or description about how
user is using information
Experience

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own, from previous encounters
suggestions from literature &
studies
 considerable body of knowledge on the
topic of presentation in a number of
fields, e.g. visualization, effective
communication, writing skills

Tefko Saracevic
for writing get Strunk & White Elements
of Style
6
Restrictions
Economics

time & money available
Resources available
Technical capabilities
Institutional policies
User requirements,
tolerances, knowledge …
Knowledge and skill in
packaging and presenting
information:
Tefko Saracevic
7
Worst scenario
Delivering print-outs of
results or pages

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no arrangement
no editing, sorting …
no explanation
equals dumping
Everything else is added
value

it could be minimum, or it
could increase with added
processing
Tefko Saracevic
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Enlighten:
Synthesis of results
Varies in analysis and detail
Minimum: Executive summary
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salient steps & findings
succinct - often bulleted
Higher level: Overview
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summation of pertinent information
found
extracting nuggets of gold
including recommendations
Highest: Report or brief

written narrative, trends analysis,
compilation of findings
 e.g. market reports

articles found serve as references
Tefko Saracevic
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Overall:
Content guidelines
In executive summary
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restate the search query
review sources consulted
explain search strategy
reiterate key findings
summarize recommendations
These could be elaborated in report
Include full & organized search
results
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each section preceded by a synthesis
Include recommendations

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(if applicable)
about sources
guidelines for user to proceed
Tefko Saracevic
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Delight:
Packaging guidelines
Users should want to read your
report
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make an attractive title page
make it readable
 wide margins, larger font, serif typeface
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use section headings liberally
use visual elements where
information lends itself
 graphs, tables, charts
 simplify complex not complicate simple

make it easily handable
 don’t mess with paper clips & rubber
bands
Tefko Saracevic
11
Delight … (cont.)

Length
 depends heavily on user
 short summary backed by longer original
documents

Source documents
 well organized
 could be converted from different types,
formats into a standard one

Could make & use a standard
 template, if repeatedly delivering
 stylized headings (e.g. from Word)

Could also provide a digitized
version/section
 to use hyperlinks, & for cut & paste
Tefko Saracevic
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Organize:
Search results guidelines
What to include depends on
sources, request, user
requirements, domain
 e.g. bibl. citations, abstracts, selected
full texts, tables, graphs, tables of
content
 web sources, screen shots of web
pages
Organize by
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topic(s), each preceded by a short
summary
possibly also by assessment
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Tefko Saracevic
relevance
potential value, timeliness
authority, comprehensiveness
readability, clarity
13
Assessments – if used
Relevance to topic

provide your own judgment and
appropriateness and explain your
criteria
Value to task
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explain your consideration
Authority
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if not obvious, explain authority or lack
about items
Qualify

You are NOT doctor, lawyer, chemist,
historian … but you know about
information sources
 “It would appear…”
 “Judging from…”
 “In this researcher (study) opinion…”
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Assure guidelines
Users need to be assured that they
received best information

(for the time & money available)
In the report describe in
appropriate places
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sources & methodology used
parameters of search
 inclusions, exclusions
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definitions of terms, if necessary
citing specific sources in summary &
referring to articles
if assessed, criteria and procedures
Tefko Saracevic
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Recommendations
Include ( details depend on user
& request)
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where can the user get further
information on his/her own
if citations only, where & how can
full articles be obtained
what institutions may be most
relevant or helpful to consult
where and how can the user get
training in searching e.g. the
internet
who are possible contacts –
addresses, emails …
how much would cost if proceeding
on commercial sources or
professional searchers
Tefko Saracevic
16
Common user criteria
My question was understood and
addressed
I do not have to comb through
50 pages to get the answer
I can easily follow what was
presented
Now I know more for decisions I
have to make, I am less
uncertain
Or: I can’t deal with this – it is a
mess
Tefko Saracevic
17
At the end
How information is delivered can
make a or break a search

or you & your library
Guidelines for good practices exist
(& should be followed) to:
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enlighten – synthesis
organize - content & inclusion
delight – presentation
asses
assure
recommend
Tefko Saracevic
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Tips
To render a free logo or button for
your report go to:
http://cooltext.com/Default.aspx
Formatting a research report
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/for
matting.htm
APA style guide
http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/apa4b.htm
Information visualization projects
http://bailando.sims.berkeley.edu/infovis.html
Tefko Saracevic
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I like this book:
Tefko Saracevic
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