Transaction log analysis
| Pages | 37-37 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047882 |
| Published date | 01 February 1993 |
| Date | 01 February 1993 |
| Author | Thomas A. Peters,Martin Kurth,Patricia Flaherty,Beth Sandore,Neal K. Kaske |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Special Theme: Transaction Log Analysis
TRANSACTION LOG ANALYSIS
Thomas A. Peters, Martin Kurth, Patricia Flaherty, Beth Sandore, and Neal K. Kaske
For the purposes of library and information
science research, transaction log analysis can be
narrowly defined as the study of electronically
recorded interactions between online information
retrieval systems and the persons who search for
the information found in those systems.
Researchers most often use transaction log data
with the intention of improving an information
retrieval system, human utilization of the system,
and human (and perhaps also system) under-
standing of how the system is used by informa-
tion seekers. Transaction log analysis can pro-
vide system designers and managers with valu-
able information about how the system is being
used by actual users. It also can be used to study
prototype systems or potential system improve-
ments.
The following articles discuss several aspects of
transaction log analysis. In "The History and De-
velopment of Transaction Log Analysis," Thomas
A. Peters reviews the literature of transaction log
analysis, looking at the types of situations,
events, and users studied. In "Transaction Log-
ging Systems: A Descriptive Summary," Patricia
Flaherty discusses the features of transaction
logging facilities and suggests some components
of an ideal transaction logging facility. In "Re-
search Methodologies and Transaction Log Anal-
ysis,"
Neal K. Kaske addresses a number of
issues and questions that need to be confronted
before selecting a method, or methods, for ana-
lyzing transaction logs. In "Applying the Results
of Transaction Log Analysis," Beth Sandore
explores the different applications for the results
of a transaction log analysis, including adminis-
tration, public services, technical services, collec-
tion management, and systems development. In
"Limits and Limitations of Transaction Log
Analysis," Martin Kurth examines both the
practical limitations and the natural or logical
limits of the methodology, including the ethical
and legal issues involved. Finally, in "A Manifes-
to Regarding the Future of Transaction Log
Analysis," the authors propose developments to
ensure and enhance the success of the methodolo-
gy.
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TRANSACTION
LOG
ANALYSIS
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ISSUE 42
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11:2 (1993) 37
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