Performance Evaluation of Mapper

Abstract We report on a two-year study funded by the Online Computer Library Center and the National Science Foundation to evaluate an experimental semi-automatic cataloging advisor — Mapper — designed to assist the intermittent user in the descriptive cataloging of certain US-produced, single-sheet maps. The study is concerned with questions relating to research design and performance evaluation aspects. The study has shown that library students who are map cataloging novices can achieve significantly better cataloging answers when assisted by the Mapper than those who were not assisted by the Mapper.