Usability testing in a library Web site redesign project

Abstract

An intuitive library information gateway is critical to meeting the information needs of library users in the digital age. This article describes the process involved in redesigning a library Web site. In addition to first determining the goals and requirements for the library Web site, a user and task analysis was conducted for defining the library’s user base and the types of tasks which users might be performing at the site. Usability testing methods, such as observational interviews, provided fresh insights about how users are interacting with the library Web interface as they approach various information seeking tasks. These usability studies uncovered problems related to unclear terminology, proper use of color, size, and location for navigational links, and the need for context sensitive help, built‐in redundancy, and clear and consistent navigation.

Citation

McMullen, S. (2001), "Usability testing in a library Web site redesign project", Reference Services Review, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 7-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320110366732