Each week between now and the 2012 MLA/DLA Joint Conference, we’re highlighting one of the conference sessions sponsored by ACRL MD. The conference will be held from May 9-11 at the Clarion Resort – Fountainbleau Hotel in Ocean City, MD. For more information on the conference, please take a look at the conference program (PDF).
Through the Users’ Eyes: Discovery Tool Usability
Friday, May 11
9:15-10:15am
Vendors are actively promoting discovery tools and libraries are purchasing them as Google-like solutions that help users easily find relevant information among a library’s complex collections. However, studies with typical library users are limited. Presenters will discuss findings from the usability studies of Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, and Primo. These studies were conducted as part of a graduate course in the Information Architecture and Interactive Design at the University of Baltimore. Students and faculty from the University System of Maryland Libraries were recruited to participate, asked to perform a variety of typical tasks, and videotaped. This presentation will cover strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement and enhancement of discovery tools.
Presenters:
Elias Darraj, DCD Candidate, Interaction Design and Information Architecture, University of Baltimore
Jonathan (Yoni) Glaser, MS Candidate, Interaction Design and Information Architecture, University of Baltimore
