ABSTRACT
This research project examines on-line searching data to determine if there are criteria which can identify the frequency of multiple file searching for use in predicting costs. Five years of data from the searching records of an academic medical research library were reviewed to identify the number of search requests answered using one, two, three, or more specific numbers of databases. Searches used for the study included all interactive subject requests and ready reference use. The data revealed some seasonal variation and a lower volume of multiple file searching than is reported in other research. The months with higher levels of search requests did not result in higher multiple file use, but in higher single file use.
