Using Transaction Logs to Better Understand User Search Session Patterns in an Image-based Digital Library*

Server transaction logs containing complete click-through data from a digital library of primarily image-based documents were analyzed to better understand user search session behavior. One month of data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and network analysis methods. The findings reveal iterative search behaviors centered on result views and evaluation and topical areas of focus for the search sessions. The study is novel in its combined analytical techniques and use of click-through data for image collections.