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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Recurso educativo Open Access |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
2007
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ892419 |
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Table of Contents:
- A Student-Focused Usability Study of the Western Michigan University Libraries Home Page Whang, Michael Ring, Donna M. Strategic Planning Library Services Academic Libraries Web Sites Questionnaires Navigation (Information Systems) User Needs (Information) User Satisfaction (Information) Observation Computer Software Evaluation Access to Information Electronic Libraries Pretests Posttests Library Development 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. (Contains 3 tables, 1 figure, and 26 notes.)