A quantitative comparison on file folder structures of two groups of information workers

Abstract

This study compares file folder structures on personal computers of two groups of information workers, administrative staff and PhD students. A set of quantitative measures are calculated which disclose the differences and similarities between folder structures of the two user groups. The results shows that the group conducting more administrative activities has broader and shallower folders than the PhD group who performs more research activities, and the folders of the PhD group are more populated over deeper levels of the trees than those of the administrative group. The study improves our understanding of the various quantitative measures in investigating personal computer folder structures, and furthermore contributes to our knowledge of the information organization structure in personal information systems.