Vermont Library Association 2006

May 17, 2006 Presentation:

"Conducting a Usability Study of OPAC Options: Lessons from Middlebury College"


Presenters:

Middlebury Reference & Instruction Librarians

Brenda Ellis, bellis@middlebury.edu
Joy Pile, pile@middlebury.edu
Jean Simmons, simmons@middlebury.edu

Abstract:  Are you migrating to a new OPAC in the foreseeable future and wondering how you might want to set it up? Or are you wondering whether your current OPAC options are meeting your users' needs? If so, come hear Middlebury College librarians discuss their test of interfaces and lessons learned about their users' searching habits and preferences.  Bring your questions! 

Presentation Links

Presentation Powerpoint Slides (to see presenter notes, save the file first before opening)

OPAC User Study: Overview
(includes project objectives)

Bibliography

User Survey of Library Online Catalog Interfaces (Questions searched in each Catalog, sequence starting with Dartmouth)

Observation Sheet (filled out by librarian conducting survey)

Questionnaire Sheet (User rankings and preferences)

Tally Sheets