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Analyzing anime users’ online forum queries for recommendation using content analysis

Hyerim Cho (Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA)
Marc L. Schmalz (Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA)
Stephen A. Keating (Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA)
Jin Ha Lee (Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA)

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 6 June 2018

Issue publication date: 3 August 2018

1383

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of relevant information features for users seeking anime recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses content analysis of 396 recommendation request threads from the online forum at Anime News Network.

Findings

In total, 19 important anime information features were identified, including Work, Theme, Genre, Audience, Mood, while Artwork/Visual Style, Audio Style, and Language were mentioned less frequently. However, when mentioned, these codes were discussed with specificity and depth.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyzed a relatively small number of 396 forum records, without demographic information. Using content analysis of online forum threads written by real users provided both informational breadth and depth. Future studies would benefit from using content analysis to investigate unfamiliar multimedia information and user groups.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be implemented in anime-related databases and information systems to enhance organization, browsing/retrieval, and recommendation of anime, which can be further utilized for other audiovisual materials.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that investigate what anime users need and want. This research examines an understudied cultural medium, underserved by current research, despite an expanding community of anime users.

Keywords

Citation

Cho, H., Schmalz, M.L., Keating, S.A. and Lee, J.H. (2018), "Analyzing anime users’ online forum queries for recommendation using content analysis", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 74 No. 5, pp. 918-935. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-08-2017-0122

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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