Investigating exploratory book search through methodological triangulation

Purpose Despite exploratory search being a common information behaviour we engage in on a daily basis, it remains challenging to investigate. When people search for a book on a vaguely defined topic, they exhibit complex, multidimensional, and diverse search behaviours. To better understand the approach to such search tasks, a mixed-methods approach is encouraged. This article investigates the methodological benefits and drawbacks when utilising a triangulation design with the three methods used in our study. Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out in a live online bookstore, with a sample of 33 participants. In order to capture both observable interactions and participants' cognitive and emotional responses, we employed a triangulation design, combining screen recording, eye tracking, and concurrent think-aloud simultaneously. The analysis was conducted in three consecutive steps, with the explicit aim of comparing methodological insights first from each individual method and subsequently from their combination. Findings Screen recording and eye tracking offered complementary observational perspectives – one focusing on navigation paths and timing, the other on visual attention. Concurrent think-aloud added a qualitative, introspective layer, allowing us to access participants' reasoning and perceptions in real time. Combining insights from multiple methods improved the understanding of how the interface could better support exploratory book search, emphasising the importance of selecting and combining the right methods. Originality/value The paper's primary contribution is methodological, demonstrating how the combined use of the three methods strengthens research design and elevates the findings of exploratory search studies. Additionally, the case study revealed insights into user information behaviour during exploratory search in bibliographic information systems.