Evaluation of Search Engines: A Conceptual Model and Research Issues

This paper examines the evaluation of search engines by developing a conceptual model based on the literature. The model identifies the key factors that influence user evaluation of search engines, effective and efficient criteria for evaluation by considering user satisfaction and usage as the search engine success variables. The model attempts to identify the attributes that determine a good search engine, why users repeatedly visit their favorite search engines, and why users switch between different search engines. The research issues are evolved out of the conceptual model; the implications for searchers and search engine providers are given.