Showing papers in "Journal of Web Librarianship in 2007"
TL;DR: It remains especially important that libraries consider design in the development of their web pages to maximize usage of content, as well as efforts by libraries to use web technologies and resources to serve user groups.
Abstract: In the early 1990s, numerous academic libraries adopted the web as a communication tool with users. The literature on academic library websites includes research on both design and navigation. Early studies typically focused on design characteristics, since websites initially merely provided information on the services and collections available in the university's physical library. Beginning in the late 1990s, technological developments coupled with new digitization efforts offered new opportunities for websites with commercial and local databases, electronic journals, e-books, and virtual reference. The availability of new content and services on library websites facilitated research efforts comparing these features among academic library websites. During this period, articles also emerged that considered navigation and usability issues for these pages. The literature on academic library web pages documents efforts by libraries to use web technologies and resources to serve user groups. However,...
35 citations
TL;DR: LibX and Zotero can improve the research process for library staff and users with an additional browser toolbar and right-click functionality that can search a library's catalog, OpenURL resolver or federated search engine, as well as other Web sites.
Abstract: Two open source extensions to the Firefox browser, LibX and Zotero, can improve the research process for library staff and users. Once configured and installed, LibX provides Firefox users with an additional browser toolbar and right-click functionality that can search a library's catalog, OpenURL resolver or federated search engine, as well as other Web sites. LibX also includes an autolinking feature, which embeds searchable links within other Web sites such as Google, Amazon, or Yahoo. Zotero merges the best features of other citation management programs with those of popular Web 2.0 services. Zotero users can store full citation information and sort, tag, annotate, and search these citations from within the Firefox browser. Zotero can also “scrape” citations from certain Web sites, allowing users to selectively save citations into their research collection. Zotero can generate complete bibliographies in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. The abilities to remotely store, synchronize, and share Zote...
24 citations
TL;DR: Using testing and analyzing results throughout the redesign process created a better, more user-friendly Web site that more closely mirrors how users look for information on the authors' site.
Abstract: Web site usability concerns anyone with a Web site to maintain. Libraries, however, are often the biggest offenders in terms of usability. In our efforts to provide users with everything they need for research, we often overwhelm them with sites that are confusing in structure, difficult to navigate, and weighed down with jargon. Dowling College Library recently completed a redesign of its Web site based upon the concept of usability. For smaller libraries in particular, such a project can be a challenge. The Web site is often maintained by one or two people, and finding the time and resources to conduct a usability study is difficult in that situation. Additional demands of a site redesign, from restructuring page layouts to adding visual appeal, only add to the burden. However, our team of four librarians was able to do it. We focused on vocabulary and organizational structure using a card-sort analysis. This analysis taught us how our users approach the information on our site. Task-based test...
13 citations
TL;DR: Social technologies perform a dual role: they are not only useful sources of information but also resources to be used to develop ideas and research, using collaboration and community platforms that learners today are familiar with.
Abstract: Social technologies such as Weblogs, wikis, and social bookmarking are emerging both as information resources and as tools for research. This paper reflects on these technologies and suggests they may be well placed to build fluency in the higher-order thinking skills outlined in various information literacy frameworks, particularly in an educational context. A high proportion of today's learners are very comfortable with technology and Web 2.0 resources. The characteristics of the information they are accessing are also changing, bringing a stronger need for sophisticated evaluation and analysis skills. Where do social technologies fit within information literacy frameworks, and where can they be used in the day-to-day instruction of information skills? This paper suggests social technologies perform a dual role: they are not only useful sources of information but also resources to be used to develop ideas and research, using collaboration and community platforms that learners today are familiar...
12 citations
TL;DR: Drawing on research connecting communities of practice, information and communication technology, and knowledge management, the authors also examine the social and cultural challenges they faced trying to use communication technology with a dispersed network of practitioners.
Abstract: This article details the development of the Library Instruction Wiki (http://instructionwiki.org): an effort to develop a web-based, knowledge-sharing resource. Though some library instruction is specific to a given institution or class, much of what instruction librarians teach is similar. Library instructors have repeatedly expressed the desire to share resources, ideas, and expertise. With the increasing presence of social software applications, the options for technology-enabled knowledge sharing have grown dramatically in recent years. The success of Wikipedia illustrates how wikis can be used to build collective knowledge-building projects. The authors describe the process of using a wiki to build such a resource. Drawing on research connecting communities of practice, information and communication technology, and knowledge management, the authors also examine the social and cultural challenges they faced trying to use communication technology with a dispersed network of practitioners. Impl...
10 citations
TL;DR: Two components identified as essential to effective academic library Websites-satisfaction of user needs and adherence to university Website guidelines-and how they sometimes contradict one another are considered.
Abstract: This article considers two components identified as essential to effective academic library Websites-satisfaction of user needs and adherence to university Website guidelines-and how they sometimes contradict one another. A literature review is provided, followed by results of a survey the author created and distributed that measures a librarian's perception of his/her school's Web-administration scenario. The author concludes with suggestions for balancing university Web guidelines and user satisfaction.
10 citations
TL;DR: The ALA New Members' Round-table Mentoring Committee coordinated a new project to find out whether a more general program matching up new librarians and ALA members with experienced Librarians for online mentoring was feasible.
Abstract: Many programs for mentoring of librarians exist within organizations, for specific areas of librarianship, or for particular groups of librarians. These programs generally depend on face-to-face contact and some organizational commonalities or similarity in positions. With the advent of online communication, could a more general program matching up new librarians and ALA members with experienced librarians for online mentoring be feasible? ALA's New Members' Round-table Mentoring Committee coordinated a new project to find out. This article outlines the planning process and the mechanics of the program through two iterations. Feedback received from participants was mixed but provided valuable insight into what could make a wholly online mentoring program work.
9 citations
TL;DR: How academic libraries can use web-conversion rates as a managerial tool for measuring a website's success is considered and an outline for further research into a more strategic application of e-metrics as it relates to library strategic planning and marketing is provided.
Abstract: Measuring website success is critical not only to the web development process but also to demonstrate the value of library services to the institution. This article documents one library's approach to the measurement of website success. LibQUAL+(tm) results and strategic-planning documents indicated a need for a new type of measurement. The current literature on e-metrics focuses predominantly on vendor-based network statistics and reporting standards and other collaborative projects by various academic libraries around the world, such as the International Organization for Standardization, National Information Standards, Project COUNTER, and the Association of Research Libraries. There is no evidence within the body of library literature of academic libraries incorporating the use of e-metrics to measure the success of the library website in relation to library strategic planning and marketing. The purpose of this research paper is to consider how academic libraries can use web-conversion rates a...
9 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that while some practices are widespread, ARL libraries are not as uniform in their treatment of electronic journals and databases as one might assume.
Abstract: Libraries are investing heavily in an increasing number of electronic journals and providing access to them through their websites. We set out to determine if ARL academic libraries offer the same options on their websites to access electronic journals and databases. Using a checklist, we evaluated the websites for the presence of A-Z lists, links from the catalog, a way to search electronic journals by title and subject, and a link to databases. We determined whether the library subscribed to more than one version of a journal; how they displayed coverage information; what their cataloging policy was if they cataloged their electronic journals (i.e., single vs. multiple records); and whether the holdings in the catalog were the same as the holdings on the list. We looked for the presence of citation linkers, federated searching, and subject searching of databases. Finally, we wanted to know if the links for the electronic journals went to a table of contents or directly to an article. Since we c...
9 citations
TL;DR: While institutional repositories seemingly present similar content, publication databases differ in their focus on a citation format that offers a solution to items without copyright permission for full-text accessibility.
Abstract: Faculty publication databases or author bibliographies offer libraries an opportunity to provide services to users. Initially, these databases remained initiatives of special libraries in the health-sciences fields. Librarians used the publication information derived from these databases to compile lists for annual reports. However, the advent of new technologies, especially the Web, prompted numerous libraries to develop faculty publication databases for their institutions. The author conducted a survey of various listservs to discover the history and development of these databases. The results illustrate the popularity of Web-based faculty publication databases. The motivation for their creation varied, but most respondents emphasized the desire to highlight the research activities of their institutions. In addition, the content of materials included in the databases and the definition of faculty also varied, depending on the type of library. Librarians reported a wide range of software employe...
8 citations
TL;DR: Investigators found usability testing alone may not be adequate to gain the qualitative data necessary for ascertaining the site's ease of use and usefulness and that a multipronged approach might be needed when evaluating a library Web site.
Abstract: Three sources indicated the need for designing a usability study of the Western Michigan University Libraries' Web site: the results of the 2004 LibQUAL+ survey; the completion of the library's new strategic planning document; and suggestions by library customers and library staff. LibQUAL+ findings and customer comments suggested customers desired more independent use of the library site; better and easier electronic access to library resources, allowing customers to search for and find content on their own; and improved online help. A usability analysis was conducted with graduate and undergraduate students. The results from a task-based questionnaire, observations by investigators, and follow-up discussion sessions are presented. Investigators found usability testing alone may not be adequate to gain the qualitative data necessary for ascertaining the site's ease of use and usefulness and that a multipronged approach might be needed when evaluating a library Web site.
TL;DR: This paper illustrates the process used to evaluate MetaLib, which included determining a timeline, developing scenario-based and focus group questions, recruiting participants, and conducting usability tests and focus groups.
Abstract: The MetaLib Library Portal (MetaLib) is a federated search tool that enables simultaneous searching of multiple electronic resources in a single interface and provides links to resources' native interfaces. Many libraries have already implemented this library portal or various components of it. Prior to launching MetaLib at the University of Florida, the authors conducted a usability study to ensure MetaLib features implemented were appropriate for UF's research community. A total of fifteen faculty researchers and graduate and undergraduate students participated in testing and discussing the product during the spring 2006 semester. This paper illustrates the process used to evaluate MetaLib, which included determining a timeline, developing scenario-based and focus group questions, recruiting participants, and conducting usability tests and focus groups. In addition, the authors describe some of the major findings of the study and the solutions recommended in the formal “Usability Test Report fo...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors surveyed webmasters in medium-sized academic libraries about their educational backgrounds, job responsibilities, and training and experience levels in web development and made recommendations for libraries and library and information science programs.
Abstract: Library webmasters in medium-sized academic libraries were surveyed about their educational backgrounds, job responsibilities, and training and experience levels in Web development. The article summarizes the findings of the survey with recommendations for libraries and library and information science programs.
TL;DR: This article offers an example of a successful project with an eye on what might have made it successful, and provides helpful advice for any librarian who is thinking about implementing a wiki but unsure of where to start.
Abstract: This case study describes the process of proposing and implementing a wiki for use in an academic library setting, based on the process used by Iowa State University Library. Using the Iowa State University Library Wiki as a model, this article lays out the decisions necessary at each step of the process of establishing a new wiki. Control of potentially sensitive data and other security concerns led the Iowa State University Library to implement a PmWiki installation on its own server. This article provides helpful advice for any librarian who is thinking about implementing a wiki but unsure of where to start. As librarians everywhere discuss the potential of wikis and their potential pitfalls, this article offers an example of a successful project with an eye on what might have made it successful.
TL;DR: In this paper, a list of twenty practical things libraries can do to begin to delve into the world of online outreach is provided, including listing your library in Wikipedia, listing library events in local community calendars, listing librarians in expert-finding directories, pushing newsletters out via RSS, being present in online game and other environments, and much more.
Abstract: Libraries are quite practiced at outreach activities in the physical world, but now, just as our services and resources have moved online, so must our outreach efforts. This article provides a list of twenty practical things libraries can do to begin to delve into the world of online outreach. Topics covered include listing your library in Wikipedia, listing library events in local community calendars, listing librarians in expert-finding directories, pushing newsletters out via RSS, being present in online game and other environments, and much more. The requirements for online outreach at libraries will always be evolving, but this starter list will provide a place for all libraries to begin their foray into online outreach and marketing.
TL;DR: The results of a needs assessment with librarians, information providers, and academic researchers informed the identification of key collection development activities for Web-published materials.
Abstract: This article discusses collection development practices to meet the unique characteristics of Web-published materials.
TL;DR: Some of the challenges in coordinating a first-year information literacyprogram in a large university setting are covered and how electronic course reserves can be used creatively to deliver the desired content is covered.
Abstract: The University of Florida is a large research institution with a freshman class of more than seven thousand students out of a total enrollment of about fifty thousand.Although a partnership with the University Writing Program has allowed the Libraries to reach almost four thousand students this past academic year, certain barriers still exist. There are just too many students to reach and the content is too vast to cover in only a single fifty-minute class period.Furthermore, problems encountered while working with students, as well as with their graduate writing instructors who run the classes, have reduced the effectiveness of the current library sessions.To solve these problems, our instruction team created targeted information literacy activities online, so writing instructors could have students complete them outside of class. This article covers some of the challenges in coordinating a first-year information literacyprogram in a large university setting and how electronic course reserves ca...
TL;DR: The first time I logged into Second Life was a disaster; it would be over six months before I logged in again and I had enough.
Abstract: The first time I logged into Second Life was a disaster. Having previously played multiplayer online games such as EverQuest and World of Warcraft, I was confident I would be able to navigate this virtual world with relative ease. I greatly overestimated my ability. There I was, semi-clothed and disoriented, on a crowded island with clueless citizens in this massive 3D virtual world. We were all lost and had no idea what we were doing. Despite all the hype, the positive press, and the millions of members, the entrance process was intimidating. After struggling those first few frantic minutes, I had enough. It would be over six months before I logged in again.
TL;DR: The use of online learning communities for library professional organizations to promote collaboration and learning is discussed and the role of discussion forums in decreasing feelings of isolation among users is noted.
Abstract: This paper discusses the use of online learning communities for library professional organizations to promote collaboration and learning. The addition of an online learning community component to a library organization expands collaborative and educational opportunities for members through a virtual environment. Although technologies used to support learning communities vary, standard features include a discussion forum, file-sharing capability, and chat functionality. More sophisticated sites provide Webcasts, podcasts, online courses, and databases. Moreover, the availability of file sharing and chat supports virtual meetings. Studies of library-oriented learning communities illustrate their effectiveness in using discussion forums and resources to foster collaboration and learning opportunities among members. This research also notes the role of discussion forums in decreasing feelings of isolation among users. Moreover, these articles highlight the member's participation in library learning c...