WEB SITE REDESIGN
Why a Redesign?
The committee is currently working towards a new design for the libraries' web site. This redesign will seek to provide greater efficiency and ease of use for the End-User. At the same time, the redesign will strive to incorporate and streamline add-ons to the web interface that have occurred between its initial design and its current state. In addition, the committee will continually evaluate the new design and implement upgrades that will improve access to Library Services both inside and outside of the Library.
End-User Surveys (See Copy of Survey)
As a starting point, the committee decided to try an open-ended survey to gain insight into user terminology. This was done in conjunction with the development of mock ups of possible new Homepage layout strategies in order to move away from library-centric terminology.
A survey of 8 questions was developed by the committee and was put into a trial mode in order to determine whether the surveys would actually work. On November 17, 1999, JoAnn Sears, Cindy Mitchell, and Robert McDonald set up a booth outside of the University Bookstore in Haley Center in order to solicit input by means of the survey. This remote location provided ample means of input and was most successful. The Library approved the use of free $1.00 copy cards that were given to participants in the survey. This provided the committee with 80 responses.
In order to provide a test of non-users vs. users, the survey was also administered on November 18, 1999 to two classes of ENGL 120 students (approximately 40 responses) that had been involved in a 3-part library instruction session over the course of the quarter. Thus the trial survey collected 120 responses total.
Survey Analysis
Through various readings of the surveys, it was determined that due in part to the open-ended manner of the questions and to the types of responses that it would be better not to statistically analyze the surveys. Instead, the committee hopes to build on the lessons of the first survey and develop several Homepage Mock-Ups to use in conjunction with user focus groups. This along with a closed-ended survey concerning terminology should enable us to develop a more user friendly interface.
What did we learn form the survey?
- That the typical user almost always prefers the internet to any other type of information source.
- That not all users associated the term AubieCat with the term Library Catalog.
- That as a majority, users believe that AubieCat can and should provide both Book and Periodical Article access for research.
- That the term Full-Text is very confusing to the user.
- That most users, unfamiliar to the library, felt that the current Homepage provides too much information and is overwhelming to the user.
- That users who have library experience like the web page as it is.
Input
In the coming weeks, the committee wants to try out its initial Homepage Mock-Ups on Library Faculty and Staff in order to gather input and to combine the Mock-Ups into at least 2 trial versions for use with focus groups and and other surveys. The committee seeks your input for its new design and can be reached at the following e-mail address: homepage@rbdadmin.lib.auburn.edu
In coming weeks, the results of our work will be discussed in several forums. If you have questions or concerns regarding the homepage redesign please e-mail the committee or speak directly with any of its members.