User Testing

October 2017 - Brief Website Survey

Possible Survey Questions

If the library website could focus on one goal or task, what would it be?
Please rank the following services and features of the library's website from greatest importance (#1) to least importance (#10).

Survey Distribution Points

White board opposite elevators in Paley

Spring 2017 Blacklight Usability Testing

Summary of the feedback from usability testing led by Rachel in the spring of 2017. You can read the full results here: spring_presentation_v2.pptx(1).pdf

Content from this testing will come into play more when we are designing the specific interface of the search results page.

November/December 2016: One-on-One Meetings with Public Services Librarians

Summary Feedback from Emily's individual meetings with librarians in November 2016-January 2017. You can read the full document here: discovery-emerging-themes-1.pdf

Content and Results from all Resources

help users distinguish between different types of resources (i.e. books vs book reviews vs ebooks
be more explicit about what content is indexed in our discovery system, what is not included
be more clear when we don't have something and provide alternatives for obtaining that item
highlight primary resources
include research data sets where available/applicable
clearer listing of databases
highlight special collections materials when possible
highlight digital collections and materials when possible
highlight LibGuides/LibAnswers when relevant
Provide links to study room reservations

Item Availability and fulfillment services

E-resource access - clarify the path to accessing electronic resources and getting to full text
Library locations - clarify where locations are and what is available
Requests/holds - comprehensive review of various requesting options, includes recalling books, reporting missing books and getting books through interlibrary loan
Course Reserves - better integration of course reserves in blacklight and/or website

Reporting Problems

Clear and concise method for reporting problems with finding resources, broken links, metadata, etc.

General User Interface/Usability

Consistent branding across all library systems
A website that is more open and inviting to users
Explore possibilities for virtual browse
Reduce duplication of information across different parts of the website

January 2016: Ask Here Desk Observations

This information was collected by Nancy. Items relevant to the website/blacklight projects are listed below (a sampling of the 400+ results).

Provide clear method to access (request and use) SCRC materials (line 12)
Provide directions/map embedded in search results for physical items (line 23, 30, 111, 141, 148, 163, 184)
Provide information on use of non-circulating (non SCRC) materials (line 51, 52)
Provide all alternative options/resources for obtaining materials we don't have (line 26, 27, 28, 34, 36, 49, 66, 68, 73, 81, 106, 174)
Provide clear tutorials/instructions for placing items on reserve for a course and using those items(line 32, 92, 118,155, 156, 159, 180)
Provide clear directions about where to pick up requested items (line 39, 133)
Provide ability to find resources (books, articles) but subject area (line 57)
Provide information and ability to schedule appointment with reference librarian (line 113, 140)
Explain recall and other circulation policies with a clear table of fines and fees (line 115, 147, 161)
Clearly post library hours (line 119)
Provide links to non-library Temple information such as information about print quotas, print-on-the-go (TECH Center/Diamond Dollars) (line 134, 144)
Provide information on computer usage in the library (138)
Directions for patrons to check their account online (line 165)
Clear instructions and information about student worker hiring in the library (line 175, 185)
If possible, provide Google translate to translate sections of website content for international students (line 176)