In a study of seventh grade students, Carper found that students did not use the library computer catalog. She indicates that students often begin their card catalog searches with specific clues that help lead to information. When users do use an author or title search, they often make typographical errors that impede their progress in retrieving information. When students are able to locate information, they often have difficulties in recognizing and identifying information on the card whether it is in a manual format or an electronic format. While students had minimal difficulty in locating basic descriptive information such as author, title, copyright, and publisher, Chen noted that users encountered specific problems identifying the subject headings on cards that lead them to more information and other keyword terms to enter into the card catalog.
Students do go further in depth when they are searching for information.
Printed indexes pose even more difficult problems. At the time of their research, the headings used by Readers Guide to Periodical Literature was taken from the Sears' List of Subject Headings. These researchers highlight studies that prove that online computer searcher make searching for information much easier. Their research pointed to students inclinations to use monographic materials rather than periodicals. These studies are important information for media specialists seeking to enhance students' library searching skills.