Evaluating the usability of the information architecture of academic library websites

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 566-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Mariann Silvis ◽  
Theo J.D. Bothma ◽  
Koos J.W. de Beer
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Information Architecture ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Web Developers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated list of heuristics and an information architecture (IA) framework for the heuristic evaluation of the IA of academic library websites as well as an evaluation framework with practical steps on how to conduct the evaluation.Design/methodology/approachA set of 14 heuristics resulted from an integration of existing usability principles from authorities in the field of usability. A review of IA literature resulted in a framework for dividing academic library websites into six dialogue elements. The resulting heuristics were made applicable to academic library websites through the addition of recommendations based on a review of 20 related studies.FindingsThis study provides heuristics, a framework and workflow guidelines that can be used by the various evaluators of academic library websites, i.e. library staff, web developers and usability experts, to provide recommendations for improving its usability.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the usability principles is the evaluation of the IA aspects of websites and therefore does not provide insights into accessibility or visual design aspects.Originality/valueThe main problem that is addressed by this study is that there are no clear guidelines on how to apply existing usability principles for the evaluation of the IA of academic library websites.

Protecting privacy on the web

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 734-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O’Brien ◽  
Scott W.H. Young ◽  
Kenning Arlitsch ◽  
Karl Benedict
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Privacy Protection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Home Pages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Web

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which HTTPS encryption and Google Analytics services have been implemented on academic library websites, and discuss the privacy implications of free services that introduce web tracking of users. Design/methodology/approach The home pages of 279 academic libraries were analyzed for the presence of HTTPS, Google Analytics services and privacy-protection features. Findings Results indicate that HTTPS implementation on library websites is not widespread, and many libraries continue to offer non-secured connections without an automatically enforced redirect to a secure connection. Furthermore, a large majority of library websites included in the study have implemented Google Analytics and/or Google Tag Manager, yet only very few connect securely to Google via HTTPS or have implemented Google Analytics IP anonymization. Practical implications Librarians are encouraged to increase awareness of this issue and take concerted and coherent action across five interrelated areas: implementing secure web protocols (HTTPS), user education, privacy policies, informed consent and risk/benefit analyses. Originality/value Third-party tracking of users is prevalent across the web, and yet few studies demonstrate its extent and consequences for academic library websites.

scholarly journals Building a new academic library Web site

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ann Johnston ◽  
Pamela Greenlee ◽  
Matthew W Marcukaitis ◽  
Ian M Lopshire
Keyword(s):  
Technological Process ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Efficient Approach ◽  
Methodical Approach ◽  
Web Developers

Purpose – The Benner Library Web site at Olivet Nazarene University was targeted for an update and those responsible desired a systematic, efficient approach to the process. Design/methodology/approach – The project needed clear goals and careful coordination of all stakeholders, including all levels of patrons, library professionals and staff and university administrators. Findings – The methodical approach proved to be time consuming but effective. Originality/value – A team composed of Web developers, programmers and graphic designers accomplished the technological process, but communication between team members and stakeholders was essential.

Designing a model for Web 2.0 technologies application in academic library websites

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 596-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shima Moradi ◽  
Delbar Tayefeh Bagher ◽  
Zohreh Mirhosseini
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Social Tagging ◽  
Web 2.0 Technologies ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Library Websites

Purpose This study aims to investigate the application of Web 2.0 technologies in the libraries of the top 100 universities in the world to provide a model for Web 2.0 application in academic library websites. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the universities’ library websites for three months based on a Web 2.0 checklist. The list of universities was extracted from Webometrics Ranking of World Universities in 2015. Findings The research shows the priorities of these universities in their use of Web 2.0 tools include social networks and mashups at the most (94.5 per cent), followed by RSS (91.2 per cent) and social tagging (82.4 per cent) and other tools with lower priorities. Moreover, it revealed the most common applications of these tools in the mentioned websites followed by their objective evidences in different libraries. The results indicate that the total Web 2.0 application in the libraries of the top 100 universities was below average (40.23 per cent). Finally, the model for Web 2.0 application in academic library websites was designed. Originality/value The focus of this study is on the value and application of each tool in the websites and demonstrate a clear model to apply in other library websites. The model for Web 2.0 technologies application in academic library websites has not been designed and pictured before.

scholarly journals Heuristic evaluation of e-dictionaries

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liezl H. Ball ◽  
Theo J.D. Bothma
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
New Products ◽  
Information Architecture ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Information Technology ◽  
Information Tools ◽  
Modern Information ◽  
Content Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the heuristic evaluations of five e-dictionaries according to the criteria developed by Ball and Bothma (2018). E-dictionaries are increasingly making use of modern information technology to create advanced information tools. It is necessary to ensure that these new products are still usable. Heuristic evaluation is a usability evaluation method used to evaluate the usability of a product. Design/methodology/approach Five e-dictionaries were evaluated through heuristic evaluation. This method requires an evaluator to evaluate a product by using a set of criteria or guidelines. Findings Various usability issues, as well as good features of e-dictionaries, could be identified through these evaluations, and are discussed under the categories of content, information architecture, navigation, access (searching and browsing), help, customisation and use of other innovative technologies. Originality/value Through the evaluations in this study, the criteria could be validated and an example of how the criteria can be used to evaluate e-dictionaries could be presented.

Encouraging continuous learning for librarians and library staff

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 286-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emy Nelson Decker
Keyword(s):  
Staff Training ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Training Professionals ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Twenty First Century ◽  
Traditional Roles

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues surrounding professionals whose legacy skills do not align with the new directions in which the academic library is moving. It also examines the ways in which the disappearance of traditional roles impacts librarians and users alike. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers policies for training professionals for their roles in the twenty-first century academic library sphere and identifies skills they will need for these new roles. Findings This paper provides insights into possible solutions for training librarians and library staff so that they will have necessary skills for their future roles. Originality/value This paper will provide library managers with approaches to staff training and a framework for understanding the specific skills that will be necessary for staff to possess in the twenty-first century academic library.

Analysis of visual impression based on Bra's basic components

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Wen ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Mincheol Whang ◽  
Kaixuan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Method ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Visual Features ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Impression ◽  
Questionnaire Online ◽  
Design Idea ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between bra's visual impression and bra parts, and then to explore the application of visual impression in bra design.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, 82 female undergraduates are asked to answered this questionnaire online, which is about the importance of parts in bra design. In the part of data analysis, the method of principal part analysis (PCA) are used to get the relationship between bra's parts, and reduce dimension of factors that influence bra design. After that, those group of features are further discussed from the perspective of visual design. Finally, design an application based on conclusion.FindingsTo get the influence features of bra appearance and improve the visual design effect, this paper matches the bra parts with visual features (color, texture, shape and space) and presents four main features of bra design: “color,” “visual texture,” “design shape” and “spatial expression” together with corresponding bra parts and technique of expression. Moreover, user interface in bra cloud customization is designed.Practical implicationsThe conclusion, which shows the corresponding relationship between bra visual effect and its basic parts, has an important role in bra visual design. First, it can be useful for design idea with different technique of expression, which may supply a theoretical basis for design. Secondly, the combination of bra parts and visual features can be used to evaluate the appearance.Originality/valueDiscussing the bra visual impression based on bra's basic parts and visual features provides a theoretical method for bra design and its appearance evaluation.

Optimizing transparency for users in social networking sites

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Wauters ◽  
Verónica Donoso ◽  
Eva Lievens
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Cognitive Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This article aims to reflect on possible ways to optimise current ways to deliver information provision to make it more transparent to users. In particular, this article will refer to the benefits (and challenges) of using more user-centred approaches to inform users in a more transparent way. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper we analyse individual, as well as contextual factors (e.g. cognitive differences, time constraints, specific features of social networking sites [SNS] platforms) which may have an impact on the way users deal with Terms of Use, privacy policies and other types of information provision typically made available on SNS platforms. In addition, possible ways of improving current practices in the field are discussed. In particular, the benefits (and challenges) of a user-centred approach have been referred to when it comes to informing users in a way that is more meaningful to them. Finally, it is discussed how user-centred approaches can act as mechanisms to increase transparency in SNS environments and how (alternative) forms of regulation could benefit from such an approach. Findings – The authors believe that it is necessary to start focussing on users/consumers’ needs, expectations and values to develop visualisation tools that can help make law (more) meaningful to users/consumers by giving them a better insight into their rights and obligations and by guiding them in making truly informed decisions regarding their online choices and behaviour. Originality/value – By looking at different techniques such as visual design and the timing of information, the article contributes to the discussion on how people can be made more aware of legal documents and actually read them.

The usage of ILLiad and Get It Now at a US medium-sized academic library over a three-year period

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Jaskowiak ◽  
Todd Spires
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Inflation Rates ◽  
Delivery Options ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Us University

Purpose As medium-sized academic libraries’ budgets continue to shrink or cannot compete with inflation rates, document delivery options like ILLiad and unmediated Get It Now can play a prominent role in providing content lost due to the inevitable cancellation of serial subscriptions. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of using these two options in a US university. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the usage of these two services for the three fiscal years following the implementation of Get It Now at Bradley University. Findings Questions addressed are as follows. How have they been used over the three-year time period? Which user status group has been using them, undergraduates, graduate students or faculty members? Which departments on campus have been using them the most? Originality/value This study is the first to look at the usage of Get It Now and ILLiad together over multiple years.

Radical re-imagination: centering a BIPOC library workforce in an asset-based autoethnography

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis J. Shearer ◽  
Ben B. Chiewphasa
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Deficit Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shared Purpose ◽  
Positive Work Environment ◽  
Supportive Community ◽  
Workplace Cultures ◽  
Positive Work ◽  
The Ideal

PurposeAcademic BIPOC librarians oftentime struggle to envision themselves and navigate in White-dominant spaces due to deficit thinking. To better understand how DEIA efforts can bolster structural change in academic libraries, the two BIPOC authors opted to lean on an asset-based exercise–imagining a positive work environment made possible through a library staffed entirely by BIPOC individuals.Design/methodology/approachThrough collaborative autoethnography, the two authors interviewed one another and centered their unstructured conversations around one question: “What does an academic library composed entirely of a BIPOC workforce look like?” Three emergent themes were agreed upon and finalized by the two authors.FindingsThe authors' imagined library is able to foster a supportive community and also function efficiently thanks to its shared purpose grounded in DEIA. Despite relying on an asset-based framework, the authors found themselves having to reckon with trials and tribulations currently faced by BIPOC librarians. Effectively envisioning the “ideal” library environment is not possible without also engaging with librarianship's legacy of racial injustices.Originality/valueRecognizing that confronting systems of oppression naturally invokes trauma, this paper encourages librarians to challenge deficit thinking and instead rely on asset-based models to candidly imagine an anti-racist academic library. The authors acknowledge that BIPOC voices and experiences add tremendous value to the library workplace. At the heart of this paper is the belief that reparations for past racial injustices should not only fix past wrongdoings, but also contribute to positive workplace cultures.

scholarly journals Library orientation practices in special libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-536
Author(s):  
Melissa Fraser-Arnott
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Host Organization

Purpose The library orientation session is an important marketing tool because it offers the first opportunity for library staff to connect with new clients (Craft and Ballard-Thrower, 2011; Rhoades and Hartsell, 2008). This paper aims to explore library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers with the goal of surveying current practices and identifying guidance for successful orientation program design and delivery. Design/methodology/approach This study explored library orientation practices in special libraries and information services through an electronic survey. The survey questions were developed based on themes that emerged from case studies on library orientations from the academic library literature. These themes included reasons for library orientation program redesigns, the importance of partnerships in orientation design and delivery and the tools and techniques used in the delivery of orientation sessions. Findings The results revealed that library orientations are taking place in special libraries, but there is no consistent approach to library orientation delivery. Even within a single library, multiple approaches to library orientations are taken based on client availability, demand and information needs observations of library staff. Participants’ responses were analyzed to develop recommendations for special library orientations. These include developing partnerships (particularly with human resource departments), using technology strategically, considering the timing of orientations for new potential clients in relation to their start as new employees in the host organization, customizing library orientations based on client segment, engaging in ongoing outreach, and being flexible in design and delivery methods. Research limitations/implications This study represents a starting step in an exploration of library orientation practices in special libraries. The key limitation of this study was the low response rate leading to small sample size. A larger sample of special libraries would be needed to produce a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of practices with an acceptable degree of statistical significance. Alternately, smaller samples of special libraries organized by characteristics such as size or type (e.g. corporate libraries, law libraries and medical libraries) could be conducted to determine if distinctive trends exist within these special library types. Practical implications This study revealed information about key practices and challenges that can be used by special library practitioners seeking to implement or redesign a library orientation program in their library. Originality/value While academic and practitioner literature exists detailing library orientation activities in academic and school libraries, there are very few papers on special library orientations. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers.

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