Focus Groups and Usability Testing in Redesigning an Academic Library's Web Site

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 in the focus groups and in the usability testing were surveyed about the redesigned library Web page. The users indicated that the new Web page was less confusing, easier to use, and somewhat more intuitive than the previous library Web page. 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.     

Changing Research Patterns and Implications for Web Page Design

Abstract

Despite major, ongoing changes in the profession and in library school curricula, the basic principles of librarianship can and should always be applied, regardless of medium or situation. However, patrons have changed the ways they prefer to search for and access information. This means that librarians must both update their understanding of these principles and find ways to apply them more proactively. One effective response is to design and market library Web pages as preferred gateways to electronic information and instruction. Librarians can transform Web pages into “one-stop-shopping information portals” for users, providing not only information, but also instruction in how to find and evaluate information. Applying Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science to Web page designis a useful way to determine iflibrarians are providing the kind of Web pages their patrons need.     

Internet Resources for Educational Research

Abstract

This article focuses on the current status of the Internet for scholarly research in the field of education on the eve of the millennium, highlighting several categories of resources: commercial databases, government and educational association Web sources, and specialty Web pages. After a brief speculation concerning the possible future of Internet and World Wide Web information in future educational research and scholarly activities, the chapter concludes with a Webliography of the Internet sites highlighted in the article.     

A primer on developing and using course-related library Web pages

Course-related library Web pages can be designed to introduce students to an academic library Web site and provide access to information relevant to specific courses. These pages are most often developed to support a library instruction session. The author's course-related pages are designed on a template that includes the main features of the library Web site (e.g., links to the online catalog, reference information, and interlibrary loan request forms), a list of pertinent online indexes and databases, links to electronic journals, and recommended Web sites. Technical and organizational issues related to creating and maintaining such pages are discussed, as are outreach efforts and faculty/student response to incorporating this type of Web page into library instruction. A sample evaluation form and a list of selected course-related library Web sites are included as appendices.     

Educational and Public Television

Natan Katzman, Program Decisions in Public Television (1976, 72 pp.)

Caroline Isber and Muriel Cantor, Report of the Task Force on Women in Public Broadcasting (1975, 141 pp. no price shown)

Advisory Council of National Organizations, Public Broadcasting and Education (1975, 114 pp., no price shown)

Bradley S. Greenberg, et al. An Ascertainment Handbook for Public Broadcasting Facilities (1975, 64 page loose-leaf notoboOk, no price shown)

Philip A. Rubin, A Report on the Minimum Equipment Needs and Costs to Upgrade the Facilities of the Public Television Stations (1975, 40 pp., $1.00, paper)

Annual Report 1975 (1976, 43 pp., free on request)

Print Handicappeda Handbook for Local Use (1975, loose-leaf notebook of some 200 plus pages)

E. Edward Cavert (ed.) Designing Diversity 1 75: Second National Conference on Open Learning and Nontraditional Study--Conference Proceedings (University of Mid-America, Lincoln, Neb. 82006---$7.50, paper)

Phillip J. Sleeman and D.M. Rockwell's Instructional Media and Technology (New York: Halstead Press/John Wiley, 1976---$30.00)     

Overlaps of multiple database retrieval and citation tracking in dementia care research: a methodological study

Objective:We aimed to determine overlaps and optimal combination of multiple database retrieval and citation tracking for evidence synthesis, based on a previously conducted scoping review on facilitators and barriers to implementing nurse-led interventions in dementia care.Methods:In our 2019 scoping review, we performed a comprehensive literature search in eight databases (CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, MEDLINE, Ovid Nursing Database, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection) and used citation tracking. We retrospectively analyzed the coverage and overlap of 10,527 retrieved studies published between 2015 and 2019. To analyze database overlap, we used cross tables and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).Results:Of the retrieved studies, 6,944 were duplicates and 3,583 were unique references. Using our search strategies, considerable overlaps can be found in some databases, such as between MEDLINE and Web of Science Core Collection or between CINAHL, Emcare, and PsycINFO. Searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection and using citation tracking were necessary to retrieve all included studies of our scoping review.Conclusions:Our results can contribute to enhancing future search practice related to database selection in dementia care research. However, due to limited generalizability, researchers and librarians should carefully choose databases based on the research question. More research on optimal database retrieval in dementia care research is required for the development of methodological standards.     

Cataloging & Classification Quarterly

Abstract

The World Wide Web site tor Cataloging & Classification Quarterly(CCQ) was created to address a serious need-timeli-ness-in communicating the results of research among librarians, while at the same time providing a number of new benefits to enhance the journal's relationship to its readers. Brought online in early 1995, it was the first such Web site for a professional journal in librarianship, and its characteristic method of making abstracts available well in advance of the print version anticipated a practice later employed by journals in a variety of other fields. Historical background to electronic texts is discussed in context with the beginnings of the CCQ Web page, along with providing an orientation to the relevant aspects of the still-evolving World Wide Web. By using the CCQ Web page as an example, an attempt to characterize the current state of electronic journal publishing will be outlined. With the decision early this year by CCQ's publisher, The Haworth Press, Inc., to begin a pilot program of publishing a select number of its some 160 journals via the World Wide Web, the CCQ Web site can be regarded as an influential forerunner for the publisher's development of electronic journals.     

Undercounting File Downloads from Institutional Repositories

ABSTRACT

A primary impact metric for institutional repositories (IR) is the number of file downloads, which are commonly measured through third-party Web analytics software. Google Analytics, a free service used by most academic libraries, relies on HTML page tagging to log visitor activity on Google's servers. However, Web aggregators such as Google Scholar link directly to high value content (usually PDF files), bypassing the HTML page and failing to register these direct access events. This article presents evidence of a study of four institutions demonstrating that the majority of IR activity is not counted by page tagging Web analytics software, and proposes a practical solution for significantly improving the reporting relevancy and accuracy of IR performance metrics using Google Analytics.     

The Effect of Web Search Result Display on Users’ Perceptual Experience and Information Seeking Performance

ABSTRACT

Adding multiple sources of information in the display of Web search results may negatively affect users’ perceptual experience and information-seeking behavior. This claim was established by investigating the impact of different Web search compositions on users’ ability to extract specific information. In this article, we assumed that the quantity and order of different compositions (areas) in the Web search results page may contribute to individual’s ability to find information relevant to their search queries. An eye-tracking device was used to observe and compare the perceptual behavior of 14 users in an information-seeking task. The results showed that the use of different compositions in the display of Web results page significantly influenced users’ perceptual experience by reducing their attention to the organic results area. The quantity of these compositions was found to greatly increase the cognitive load of users when attempting to retrieve information from the organic area, which negatively affects their information-seeking performance. Our finding provides a rationale for further studies to consider the impact of quantity and order of Web page compositions on individuals’ perceptual attention and cognitive load in information-seeking task settings.     

面向Deep Web的动态竞争情报智能采集策略

企业间竞争互动的高强度与高速度,突显出竞争情报的时效性,动态竞争情报是企业在复杂多变的环境下取得成功的关键.Web资源可分为surface Web和Deep Web.Surface Web由静态网页构成,Deep Web信息资源由动态页面、商业数据库、实时数据和企业内部数据库组成,具有质量高、实时性强、易于深度分析的特点,是企业动态竞争情报的重要来源,但常规网络信息采集工具不能直接获得这些信息.针对动态竞争情报采集中存在的信息源选择、信息抽取、信息分析中存在的障碍,提出面向Deep Web的动态竞争情报智能采集策略,详细探讨了动态数据源的智能选择、查询结果的智能抽取、智能化的数据集成和智能分析策略.     

数字化图书馆和WWW站点及其页面的持续性

依据Web 页面和W eb 站点可以被搜集和分类, 文章探讨的主题是:WWW 构成图书馆。结论是:Web 不是数字化图书馆, 但是图书馆可以从Web 中选择搜集材料。Web 文献有两种变化形式。第一种变化形式是本文所谈论的“持续性”; 第二种变化形式是W eb 页面或Web 站点信息的变化。本文力求更进一步认识Web 页面和Web 站点的生存期, 生存期的变化会影响具有Web 信息的图书馆的完整性和有效性, 然而如果能够认识这些变化就可以进行控制和管理。     

Web Subject Guides: Virtual Connections across the University Community

ABSTRACT

A year ago, West Chester University Libraries began using the LibGuides library content management system. In the 1st year since implementing LibGuides (http://subjectguides.wcupa.edu/), our subject librarians have developed numerous subject guides, replacing outmoded and outdated Web pages with new guides that have a more appealing format. We have also found that Web guides can be used for projects beyond the traditional library subject guide. One of the best features of the LibGuides software is that it allows our subject librarians to easily repackage information and resources in multiple ways that suit different audiences. In this article, the authors describe how they have used these guides to respond to the needs of their university community and how they hope to expand the potential uses of the Web guides.     

“211工程”高校图书馆电子资源网页建设调查

对"211工程"高校图书馆中的30所进行网页调查,就其电子资源建设中的网页设计、类目设置、数据库分类标准、数据库列表等方面存在的问题,提出解决办法。     

Putting Students in the Driver's Seat

Abstract

Library Web pages are increasingly designed to be the initial entry point for research, whether used from the library or off campus. But the pages must be intuitive and easy to use or students may bypass them completely, in favor of more familiar Web resources. This article presents the process, results, and evaluation of a Web usability study conducted at Linfield College with undergraduate participants. Web usability testing was a relatively quick and inexpensive way to find out how students used the library Web pages, information that proved invaluable in making effective modifications to them. In the process, researchers gained insights into student online searching and research patterns that have informed reference and teaching activities as well.     

Navigational Structures and Information Selection Goals: A Closer Look at Online Selectivity

Using an experimental design coupled with Web-tracking technology, this study explores 2 factors that influence levels of congruent information gathering online. The first factor compares the navigational structure of 2 distinct Web pages—the more open, user-directed search engine versus the organized, assembled structure of a portal Web page. The second factor tests the role of goals for information seeking—telling subjects they will soon engage in a discussion with another person who either disagrees with their viewpoint, agrees, is undecided, or no discussion treatment. Results indicate both experimental factors independently contribute to selectivity in online information seeking.     

An Evaluation of Public Library Websites: Describing Children's Services in Japan

ABSTRACT. This study is the first to investigate the amount and type of information about children's services described in Japanese public library websites, with particular reference to the Web pages intended for children, and the extent to which usability is taken into account in the design of these websites. Further, the study analyzes what kinds of content are more prevalent in children's services as described in Japanese public library websites in comparison with the actual delivery of these services. Finally, the study considers the usability of children's Web pages from the perspectives of how easy they are to read and understand.     

Academic Libraries as Digital Gateways: Linking Students to the Burgeoning Wealth of Open Online Collections

ABSTRACT

Digital collections of full-text e-books are proliferating on the Web and provide a wealth of open content for students. To examine whether academic libraries are providing a digital gateway to these resources, ten e-book titles from open digital collections were searched in the online catalogs and Web pages of ten academic libraries serving distance learners. Only three of the digital collection e-books were available from any of the library catalogs, and none were found on library Web pages. Availability of the ten e-book titles through Google and other digital discovery tools also had mixed results. Continued projects for improved delivery of open online content are necessary. In order to fulfill their role as digital gateways for their academic communities, libraries must pursue metadata standards to support cross-searching, collaborative projects, and development of e-resource search software, which integrates with the library catalog.     

生物医学类OA期刊网络影响力评价研究

OA期刊已成为科学信息的重要载体,OA期刊网站是OA期刊的网络载体。OA期刊的网络影响力不仅是0A期刊网站影响力的集中体现,同时也是OA期刊学术质量的折射。因此文章从网络计量学角度,采用网络文献量、网页数、站内链接数、WeMl文量、网络影响因子、外总影响因子、链接数、外部链接数、IP访问量、PV页面浏览量、人均页面浏览量11个指标,对483种生物医学OA期刊的网络影响力进行了评价研究。该文为2009年第六期“医学oA期刊”专题文章之一。     

Reaching Additional Users with Proactive Chat

ABSTRACT

Despite a general decline in recent years in academic libraries’ reference desk statistics, research indicates that library users continue to have complex research questions but are largely unaware that librarians are waiting and ready to assist them. The challenge for librarians is to connect with users at their point of need. At Bowling Green State University, we are making a move in this direction with proactive (pop-up) chat widgets embedded within our library Web pages, catalog, and databases. Since implementation, the number of chat reference questions received has more than doubled, helping us reach additional users from on-and off-campus.