Anita Komlodi

The availability of information in different languages on the Internet allows multilingual web users to search in multiple languages for the same search task. When searchers can search in multiple languages, they may combine these languages in various ways during searching. Few studies have examined multilingual web users' language switching behaviors in two or more languages online, specifically their code‐switching search patterns. This research investigates native Chinese web users' code‐switching (Chinese‐English) search patterns in their information seeking process through controlled lab experiments and interviews. Results reveal three general code‐switching search models for multilingual web users for their search tasks. Findings highlight factors and reasons for multilingual web users' situational and metaphorical code‐switching during their information search on the Web. We find that multilingual web users switch code situationally due to pragmatic reasons such as information sufficiency, language proficiency, information verification, context, and translation. Metaphorical code‐switching behaviors were motivated by the searchers' language image, cultural perspective, website credibility, sense of belonging, and psychological acceptance. We also investigate these users' code‐switching search strategies. The study aims to provide design implications for website design concerning multilingual web users' code‐switching search strategies, habits, and needs.

Searchers today are often faced with searching in a language that is not their native language. Searching in a foreign language will necessarily differ from searching in a native language. In this paper we examine one step of the foreign‐language searching process: selection decisions about web search results. We report the results of an analysis of participant statements about why a certain web result was selected by 15 Hungarian and 15 Chinese native language speakers who searched in English. Our results confirm selection criteria from the literature and identify new selection criteria that foreign‐language searchers pay attention to when selecting search results.

In this paper, we present preliminary findings from an exploratory mixed‐methods study of foreign‐language searchers' credibility assessment of web documents when searching in English. Findings highlight a set of criteria used by these searchers to assess the credibility and accuracy of English web sources, the most frequent of which relates to source reputation. Foreign language searchers are more likely to trust an English language source if it is familiar or if it is the official source of information. Design aesthetics and functionality also have an impact on credibility. Findings have implications for the design of online sources that better support credibility assessments of foreign‐language searchers.

International medical graduates (IMGs) are medical professionals who have immigrated to the United States (US) or Canada (Ca) in hopes of integrating into the labor market. IMGs can be a very helpful resource supplying a diverse background and expertise to the medical system in the host country [Chen et al., ]. However, immigration and integration into a new country can be difficult processes due to differences in cultural norms, information sources, and information dissemination. In this study, we investigate the nature of information in the lived experiences of IMGs as they make a new life for themselves and their families in either the US or Canada. By so doing, we contribute to the limited body of research on this population by providing an informational perspective. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 IMGs residing in the US or Canada. Our findings indicate that IMGs spend an inordinate amount of time searching for occupational and employment‐related information, which includes information about retraining and residency programs, along with varied strategies to make sense of the new information landscapes. IMGs use various strategies to identify signposts and become conversant in the new landscape. Despite the limited sample, it becomes clear that one's ability to become literate in these new information environments leads to more positive outcomes (i.e., integrating the labor market, overall well‐being, belonging).

Non‐native English speakers (NNESs) often search in English due to the limited availability of information in their native language on the Web. Information seeking in a non‐native language can present special challenges for users. Current research literature on non‐native language search behavior is insufficient and even less is known about how online systems and tools may accommodate NNESs’ needs and assist their behaviors. To gain a better understanding of user behavior and the search process of NNESs, this paper presents a study of online searching in English as a foreign language (EFL) or second‐language (L2). Particular attention is paid to language selection, search challenges, query formulation and reformulation, as well as user interaction with online systems and tools. Results from eight focus groups (36 participants) and 36 questionnaires indicate NNESs face a unique set of challenges that may not be present for native speakers when searching for information in English. A user interaction model is abstracted to address the iterative and spiral search process of NNESs. Implications for design of systems and tools to assist this particular user group are discussed.

This paper describes elements of user experience of a collaborative 3D immersive virtual information management environment. We detail those elements that are seen to both improve and deteriorate user experience, and provide design guidance for researchers and designers. We designed the 3D virtual environment in the Virtual Collaboration Arena (VirCA) collaborative space specifically to study the collaborative information retrieval and management behaviors of users. We conducted 117 interviews and then analyzed the data using a qualitative content analysis to identify the main elements of user experience. While participants generally reacted positively to the environment, they also mentioned a few distracting usability problems. Applying the results in the further development of VirCA can create a higher level of user experience and more effective collaboration.

Foreign‐trained health professionals (doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others) arrive in the US and Canada every year to find a professional environment that is often unwelcoming and complex. In this work‐in‐progress poster we explore the experiences and information behavior of these professionals as they search for health‐ and career‐related information to integrate into their new professional environments. Results from this research can in the future support the design of information resources and services to better serve foreign‐trained health professionals.

Nadia Caidi, University of Toronto, Canada (nadia.caidi@utoronto.ca) Anita Komlodi, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, United States (komlodi@um...