This paper reports the results of the study which analysed OPAC users’ searching behaviour through the use of search queries. The study analysed how OPAC search queries can be used to assess the effectiveness of the information literacy programme offered by the University of Dar es Salaam. Data were collected unobtrusively and stored in the OPAC web server’s log file. OPAC search logs were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed to determine search patterns and search query formulation. Information literacy course contents were also qualitatively analysed and compared with users’ search activities. The results suggest that search query logs are essential and high quality evidence that can be used to inform information literacy pedagogical methods and course contents improvement. A comparison between OPAC users’ search behaviours and information lteracy course content identified some areas for readjusting the way information literacy instructions are delivered and improving OPAC search functionalities. The study has contributed to the conceptual understanding and the use of evidence to support evidence-informed practices (EIPs) in delivering information literacy courses.

本文报告了通过使用搜索查询分析 OPAC 用户搜索行为的研究结果。该研究分析了 OPAC 搜索查询如何用于评估达累斯萨拉姆大学提供的信息素养计划的有效性。数据以不显眼的方式收集并存储在 OPAC 网络服务器的日志文件中。对 OPAC 搜索日志进行定性和定量分析，以确定搜索模式和搜索查询公式。信息素养课程内容也进行了定性分析，并与用户的搜索活动进行了比较。结果表明，搜索查询日志是必不可少的高质量证据，可用于为信息素养教学方法和课程内容改进提供信息。OPAC 用户的搜索行为与信息素养课程内容之间的比较确定了一些领域，可以重新调整信息素养指令的传递方式并改进 OPAC 搜索功能。该研究有助于概念理解和证据的使用，以支持提供信息素养课程的循证实践 (EIP)。