Showing papers in "Journal of Web Librarianship in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, academic libraries are realizing that if they want to communicate with and serve their students, they are going to have to learn to speak studi cally, i.e., they are not going to be able to communicate in English.
Abstract: IM, SMS, VoIP, MMOG, RSS, 2.0 … what does it all mean? Academic libraries are realizing that if they want to communicate with and serve their students, they are going to have to learn to speak stud...
26 citations
TL;DR: Indicators point to a future for online instruction coexisting with, yet not replacing, traditional classroom library instruction, as an alternative or a supplement to in-class library instruction.
Abstract: Many academic librarians use online information literacy tutorials as an alternative or a supplement to in-class library instruction. Tutorials created with streaming media software such as Camtasia Studio have become increasingly popular. Librarians at a mid-sized Midwestern university have created several such tutorials demonstrating various library resources. The value of streaming-media tutorials is supported by key learning theories such as cognitive load theory, dual coding theory, and multimedia learning theory. However, studies measuring the impact of online tutorials on student learning of information-literacy skills have shown mixed results. The authors tested the effectiveness of an online information literacy tutorial on a group of undergraduate business students. About 140 students in three undergraduate finance classes rated a Value Line online tutorial. Students were also invited to complete a follow-up survey online with Blackboard. This survey measured student knowledge retention...
22 citations
TL;DR: A series of usability research studies employing two different and popular methodologies: user-centered redesign and usability testing are described and evaluated to demonstrate that even small-scale usability evaluations can improve patrons' understanding of and access to library resources.
Abstract: Library patrons familiar with Web searching conventions often find library searching to be less familiar and even intimidating. This article describes and evaluates a series of usability research studies employing two different and popular methodologies: user-centered redesign and usability testing. Card sorting and affinity mapping were used to conceptualize how information should be classified and presented on the library's main page. Usability scenarios and think-aloud protocols were used to explore how students, especially those new to the campus, conceptualize the information-seeking process and how they go about conducting a search. Participants included library employees, university faculty, staff, and students. These methods can be replicated by any library, large or small, and demonstrate that even small-scale usability evaluations can improve patrons' understanding of and access to library resources.
21 citations
TL;DR: Using qualitative and quantitative data from the card sorting sessions, the Web librarian, under the direction of the Web Advisory Committee, was able to create a more user-centered home page.
Abstract: In the past decade, academic libraries have struggled with the design of an effective library home page. Since librarians' mental models of information architecture differ from those of their patrons, usability assessments are necessary in designing a user-centered home page. This study details a usability sequence of card sort and paper and online survey methods conducted at the Auraria Library, which serves the University of Colorado Denver, the Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the Community College of Denver. The three top complaints about the existing Web page included information overload, lack of visual cues and guidance, and difficulty getting to what students knew was the heart of the library's Web page: online resources. Using qualitative and quantitative data from the card sorting sessions, the Web librarian, under the direction of the Web Advisory Committee, was able to create a more user-centered home page. Unique to this study are the use of undergraduate students in creatin...
20 citations
TL;DR: A brief history of the development of library subject guides (often referred to as pathfinders) from the late 1800s to the present is provided.
Abstract: This article provides a brief history of the development of library subject guides (often referred to as pathfinders) from the late 1800s to the present During this period, subject guides have changed both their focus and format The needs of academic institutions at the turn of the 20th century were very different than they are today, and technology that was non-existent then has become ubiquitous Much can be learned from studying the evolution of these important library tools and looking to the future as they mature even further
20 citations
18 citations
TL;DR: The confluence of user-centered design and the practice of usability testing have been growing in popularity, spreading their influence into the library sphere by surveying the current literature on usability studies of digital libraries.
Abstract: Digital libraries continue to flourish. At the same time, the principles of user-centered design and the practice of usability testing have been growing in popularity, spreading their influence into the library sphere. This article explores the confluence of these two trends by surveying the current literature on usability studies of digital libraries. This article focuses on the methodology of studies of multimedia digital libraries.
17 citations
TL;DR: A case study in user-centered design that explores the needs and preferences of undergraduate users and focus on user expectations and nomenclature largely confirmed the results of previous studies.
Abstract: This article presents a case study in user-centered design that explores the needs and preferences of undergraduate users. An analysis of LibQual+ and other user surveys, interviews with public service staff, and a formal American with Disabilities Act accessibility review served as the basis for planning a redesign of the Brown University Library's Web site. Three testing phases were conducted: individual usability testing of the existing site and baseline data collection on Web use preferences; focus groups to respond to a functional prototype and search prototypes; and individual usability testing and interviews on revised functional prototypes. The delicate task of obtaining staff buy-in without letting their opinion drive the redesign was accomplished by keeping the project team small and nonrepresentational, submitting all conflicts to user testing, and promising an intranet that would meet the specialized needs of staff. A commitment to experimentation and a willingness to jettison design ...
16 citations
TL;DR: This case study will examine the use of a wiki by library employees during the strategic planning process at San Jose State University.
Abstract: For the past several years, many have viewed wikis as useful tools for community building and collaboration. A number of free Web services such as PBwiki have claimed convenience and ease of use as part of their overall packages. A review of the literature reveals a great deal of anecdotal support for wiki use in the workplace. However, few studies have been conducted to determine whether wikis are useful collaborative tools for employees within an organization. This case study will examine the use of a wiki by library employees during the strategic planning process at San Jose State University.
16 citations
TL;DR: Card sorting allowed the library design team to vastly improve its initial redesign decisions for a new Web site tabbed navigation system and opened the WMU libraries to outside innovation, inviting Web site visitors to redesign the Web site free from the libraries’ influence.
Abstract: This article describes the card-sorting techniques used by several academic libraries, reports and discusses the results of card-sorting usability tests of the Western Michigan University Libraries’ Web site, and reveals how the WMU libraries incorporated the findings into a new Web site redesign, setting the design direction early on. The article briefly describes open and closed card-sorting techniques and quantitative and qualitative methods of analyzing data commonly used in computer and library science fields. Findings from this study allowed the library design team to vastly improve its initial redesign decisions for a new Web site tabbed navigation system. Card sorting not only helped the design team validate its redesign decisions, but it also opened the WMU libraries to outside innovation, inviting Web site visitors to redesign the Web site free from the libraries’ influence. The simple and inexpensive techniques used here may be useful to any Web librarian or design team embarking upon ...
12 citations
TL;DR: This study investigates the possibility of increasing the accuracy level of the usability testing of an academic library Web site by developing a standardized list of questions for usability testing that would be based on main functions of an academics' Web site and be designed to meet the general information needs of college students and faculty with different levels of the information literacy skills.
Abstract: Modern academic libraries have a great number of information resources available online in the form of electronic catalogs, books, journals, and subject subscription databases. To determine whether users can easily retrieve the information they are seeking, academic librarians conduct usability testing of their libraries' Web sites. There has been an emergence of publications focusing on the usability testing of academic library Web sites. However, researchers frequently report problems and limitations related to this testing, assuming that the wrong wording of questions or tasks during the testing disorients test participants, especially those not familiar with the basics of library research. This study investigates the possibility of increasing the accuracy level of the usability testing of an academic library Web site by developing a standardized list of questions for usability testing that would be based on main functions of an academic library Web site and be designed to meet the general inf...
TL;DR: The authors discuss the complexities of designing search interfaces, outline findings from the nine-month study, evaluate the effectiveness of the two interface designs, and talk about future research in these areas.
Abstract: Academic libraries customize, support, and provide access to myriad information systems, each with complex graphical user interfaces. The number of possible information entry points on an academic library Web site is both daunting to the end-user and consistently challenging to library Web site designers. Faced with the challenges inherent in designing online search interfaces and the ever-growing amount of resources available online, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries sought to explore how to build effective search interfaces that, at the same time, support a wide variety of computer users and provide comprehensive access to assorted collections of electronic resources. Over a nine-month period, the libraries designed, implemented, and tracked the usage of two different search interfaces on their home page. Each interface allowed users to choose between four different search targets. In this case study, the authors discuss the complexities of designing search interfaces, outline findings...
TL;DR: Key findings from this study indicate that while the included digital collections are useful and desirable to end-users, the interface generated by CONTENTdm can be confusing even for those who have considerable experience using the Internet.
Abstract: Digital libraries and collections are a growing facet of today's traditional library. Digital library technologies have become increasingly more sophisticated in the effort to provide more and better access to the collections they contain. The evaluation of the usability of these technologies has not kept pace with technological developments, however, and the end-user has in some cases been left behind. This research study evaluates the usability of digital collections created using the CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management System, a software system used by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Specifically, this study addresses the following questions: Does CONTENTdm meet users' needs? Is the interface sufficiently intuitive for them to use it? Is the experience of exploring digital collections using CONTENTdm satisfying to users? Employing usability testing techniques with actual-end users, this study attempts to assess the efficacy of the CONTENTdm public interface as well as user...
TL;DR: Web sites are always works in progress, and academic librarians should be proactive about making changes to their library Web sites to take advantage of emerging technology and to meet user expectations.
Abstract: As the World Wide Web has advanced since its inception, librarians have endeavored to keep pace with this progress in the design of their library Web pages. User recommendations collected from focus groups and usability testing have indicated that the University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library's Web site was not working as intended, and the library's home page, in particular, was cluttered. Focus groups indicated that the process of accessing the library's databases from off-campus took too many steps, key resources were not located in key areas of the page, links were too close together, and the font was too small. Library staff determined it was necessary to rethink and redesign its pages. Self-reports from focus groups were insufficient to get at the mechanics of Web page use. Through usability testing, librarians were able to observe students and faculty completing simple research and directional tasks. Before “going live” with the new page in January 2007, users who had participated ...
TL;DR: Binghamton University's experiences in developing and implementing an optimization pilot project is described and the research presented has importance for libraries who may be considering an optimization project for their own sites.
Abstract: Search engine use is one of the most popular online activities. According to a recent OCLC report, nearly all students start their electronic research using a search engine instead of the library Web site. Instead of viewing search engines as competition, however, librarians at Binghamton University Libraries decided to employ search engine optimization strategies to make their Web site more visible on the search engine result pages. Although search engine optimization is used frequently by commercial Web sites, few libraries have attempted to optimize their own sites. This article describes Binghamton University's experiences in developing and implementing an optimization pilot project. The research presented in this article has importance for libraries who may be considering an optimization project for their own sites.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates the potential value of using Google Analytics as a Web analytics tool in combination with the OPAC transaction logs to measure catalog usability and provides more insight on the search behaviors of users.
Abstract: Although there is a proliferation of information available on the Web, and law professors, students, and other users have a variety of channels to locate information and complete their research activities, the law library catalog still remains an important source for offering users access to information that has been evaluated and cataloged by experts. The usability of the catalog needs to be effectively measured before any necessary improvements can be made. This study was undertaken to investigate the information retrieval patterns of users of the Rutgers Law Library Online Public Access Catalog and to develop the catalog into a more effective search tool for these users. This study used an experimental approach to measure the usability of our catalog by analyzing the transaction logs from the OPAC system and the results from Google Analytics. The findings provided not only important information on user demographics and their computer systems, but also more insight on the search behaviors of us...
TL;DR: This study examines the Web sites of the Association of Research Libraries member libraries to determine the presence of a separate text version of the default graphical homepage and the content of the text version and the homepage is compared.
Abstract: This study examines the Web sites of the Association of Research Libraries member libraries to determine the presence of a separate text version of the default graphical homepage. The content of the text version and the homepage is compared. Of 121 Web sites examined, twenty libraries currently offer a text version. Ten sites maintain wholly separate text pages, and another ten are dynamically generated with text transcoders or stylesheet translation. The descriptor and placement of the link to the text versions varies considerably and is often placed inconveniently for users relying on linear speech output or text display. Separately maintained text versions often omitted useful content and were updated with less frequency than their equivalent graphical page, in violation of Web accessibility guidelines. Outdated news, lack of contact information, omission of links to new functionality such as metasearch tools, and exclusion of quick links were some indicators of the lack of attention given to ...
TL;DR: An “on-the-road” usability study of a library-consortium website, which is a communication and educational tool for librarians who are physically dispersed throughout the state, and an intranet for remote users is described.
Abstract: This article describes an “on-the-road” usability study and explains the study's methodological challenges, solutions, and recommendations. The study concerned a library-consortium website, which is a communication and educational tool for librarians who are physically dispersed throughout the state, and an intranet for remote users. Rather than traveling to numerous locations or attempting a remote usability evaluation of the website, the lab took a mobile laboratory to a professional conference where a large number of website users were gathered. Four doctoral students used the talk-aloud protocol to interview 14 conference participants. The interviews were recorded with Morae software on laptop computers, and participants were asked to complete 13 tasks. Although there proved to be difficulties in mobile usability testing, the conference provided a space to describe the project and recruit participants. While the optimal place to conduct usability testing is in either the lab or the participan...
TL;DR: This article is among the first in the field trying to establish a link between usability and instruction, and hopes to provide an innovative approach to library instruction assessment.
Abstract: Can we use the methods of Web usability testing to learn about library instruction? This article is among the first in the field trying to establish a link between usability and instruction. The author discusses useful insights that Web usability can bring to our pedagogy as well as to the efficiency of library instruction. The result of a Web usability study conducted at LaGuardia Community College in 2005 are examined. Findings suggest direct relationships between what is being taught in library instruction sessions and how students browse and search library resources. The author discusses vocabulary test results and draws some parallel with students' success at finding information on the library Web site. Finally, a conceptual model of library instruction assessment through usability studies is presented. The author hopes to provide an innovative approach to library instruction assessment.
TL;DR: The authors examine issues surrounding the availability of peer review for digital scholarship, especially in the field of American history, and propose mechanisms for peer review must be created by scholarly associations and applied to digital scholarship to ensure this form of scholarship is acknowledged and rewarded.
Abstract: Digital scholarship connects scholarly research to students and the public in nontraditional ways. Authors present research in a digital form, which may include links to primary source material and teaching guides. In this format, design and accessibility are important, and, unfortunately, those quick to dismiss all digital work as teaching or outreach can overlook the research element. The confusion over what digital scholarship is and how to evaluate it can affect promotion and tenure decisions in academic institutions. This article will examine issues surrounding the availability of peer review for digital scholarship, especially in the field of American history. Mechanisms for peer review must be created by scholarly associations and applied to digital scholarship to ensure this form of scholarship is acknowledged and rewarded.
TL;DR: As more emerging library technologies use Web services architectures to handle data objects, the ability to syndicate catalog records will become more critical to providing innovative library Web services.
Abstract: Many libraries use RSS to syndicate information about their collections to users. A survey of 65 academic libraries revealed their most common use for RSS is to disseminate information about library holdings, such as lists of new acquisitions. Even though typical RSS feeds are ill suited to the task of carrying rich bibliographic metadata, great potential exists for developing applications that can exploit metadata exposed to Web services via RSS. Using the MODS metadata format, entire catalog records can be seamlessly embedded in RSS 2.0 feeds. Existing tools, such as Library of Congress Java toolkits and XSLT stylesheets, can facilitate this process, while a new XSLT stylesheet may be used to create the RSS feeds complete with MODS records. As an example of the added functionality these MODS/RSS feeds can offer, records from a MODS-enriched RSS feed can be ingested into a non-RSS application such as Zotero. As more emerging library technologies use Web services architectures to handle data obje...
TL;DR: In 2002, the Kresge Library restructured its Web content creation and management to a distributed, collaborative method with the goal of increasing the amount, accuracy, and timeliness of the information available on the library Web site.
Abstract: Oakland University's Kresge Library first launched its Web site in 1996. The initial design and subsequent contributions were originally managed by a single Webmaster. In 2002, the library restructured its Web content creation and management to a distributed, collaborative method with the goal of increasing the amount, accuracy, and timeliness of the information available on the library Web site. The new model was successful, resulting in a significant increase in both the amount and timeliness of the information presented on the library Web site. This article details the fundamental structural changes to how the Web site was managed and the rationale behind it.
TL;DR: It is suggested that while students prefer a search-box strategy, it is by no means the only way they search for information, and these findings have implications for information literacy and library instruction.
Abstract: In this study, students' use of a new educational Web portal was evaluated with particular emphasis on searching and browsing strategies. The effects and implications of a federated search system are also discussed. Fifty-four students, ranging from 5th to 12th grade, were given five tasks to complete using the SchoolRooms interface. The tasks required students to use both the search box and the categorical browse feature on the Web portal. Data collected were analyzed to determine time on task, rate of success and the subjects' awareness of success, and the type of search method chosen to complete the tasks. In general, students preferred the search-box strategy to the categorical-browse strategy, but exposure to both strategies resulted in increased use of the browse strategy. Success rates varied widely by task. Students had a difficult time distinguishing between various media and format types returned by the federated search. Results suggest that while students prefer a search-box strategy, ...
TL;DR: The Memory of the Netherlands as mentioned in this paper is a self-described "gigging site" with a column on a charming and highly functional site called “The Memory Of The Netherlands.
Abstract: Sarah Beasley Candice Kail Welcome back! Global Connections is excited to return with a column on a charming and highly functional site called “The Memory of the Netherlands,” a self-described “gig...
TL;DR: The study finds that the Journal Finder interface is easy to use, simple to learn, efficient, and effective for all subgroups and the areas recommended for improvement are the understandability of the navigational features, icons, and terminology and the creation of an easy-to-understand online tutorial.
Abstract: This study evaluates the usability of the Journal Finder integrated search interface, developed at the Jackson Library at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This interface provides electronic access to publications including journals, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines. This study was conducted to determine how intuitive and learnable the interface is for accessing online publications. The participants consist of four user subgroups: undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty. The study evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the interface to support the participants' tasks of accessing online publications by using pretest questionnaires, task-analysis techniques, think-aloud protocol, scenarios, and post-test questionnaires. This study also evaluates the Journal Finder online tutorial. The study finds that the Journal Finder interface is easy to use, simple to learn, efficient, and effective for all subgroups. The effectiveness error rate and efficiency-...
TL;DR: This article interviews Web developers of library and non-library-related Web sites, determining how they assess user needs and how they decide to adapt certain technologies for users.
Abstract: User-centered design is a principle stating that electronic resources, like library Web sites, should be built around the needs of the users. This article interviews Web developers of library and non-library-related Web sites, determining how they assess user needs and how they decide to adapt certain technologies for users. According to the panel, to understand these issues, Web services librarians should (a) give patrons a way to provide feedback on library sites; (b) observe and contemplate technology in a group setting; (c) only adapt technology that addresses a specific patron need; and (d) consider the library Web site as a part of the library, not a replacement for it.
TL;DR: The authors created the KB Honors Theses tutorial through the use of screen-capture software and voiceover narration and the process through which the authors created their online tutorial is given, including technical aspects and examples of solutions to problems that arose.
Abstract: The Knowledge Bank is The Ohio State University's institutional repository, which houses various works by students, faculty, and staff. One of the text collections in the Knowledge Bank is electronic honors theses. Training students to submit their theses was initially given in the form of in- person workshops. Turnout for these workshops was sparse despite attempts to vary the times and days on which they were held and in contrast to the increasing number of questions received about the submission process. In addition to low turnout, requests for workshops at branch campuses made the idea of providing the workshop via the Web seem a desirable solution. This article discusses the criteria for creating such online tutorials and includes information from the literature about similar projects creating Web-based instruction. The authors created the KB Honors Theses tutorial through the use of screen-capture software and voiceover narration. The process through which the authors created their online tutorial is given, including technical aspects and examples of solutions to problems that arose. A description of each module of the tutorial serves as an overview of the content. Each module can be accessed as part of an overall video or individually. Testing and evaluation of the tutorial is also described, including an examination of Web statistics to determine which operating systems and browsers are most commonly used to access OSU Libraries Web pages. Details of problems encountered and solutions to those problems are given. The article concludes with ideas for future directions for the online tutorial.