Usability analysis of Northern Illinois University Libraries' website: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the process and present the findings of a usability assessment of the Northern Illinois University Libraries' website.

Design/methodology/approach

After significant planning, Northern Illinois University Libraries conducted a usability analysis using a trilateral approach: usability testing, focus group sessions, and survey questionnaires.

Findings

Quantitative and qualitative data are presented and discussed. Quantitative data does not adequately reflect what the test moderators and recorders observed during test sessions. Thus, qualitative data prove to be more valuable. Results were used to redesign the library's website.

Research limitations/implications

Questionnaire return rate was extremely low, and therefore these results could not be compared with the results of the other two data collection methods.

Practical implications

The detailed methodology section can provide guidance for other libraries considering performing usability test analyses.

Originality/value

This study utilized a unique combination of usability testing, focus group, and survey questionnaire data collection methods to solicit feedback from users. Discussion of the results leads to a new and important question for future research: what can usability testing reveal about patrons' level of information literacy skills?

Citation

VandeCreek, L.M. (2005), "Usability analysis of Northern Illinois University Libraries' website: a case study", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 181-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750510612380