Usability evaluation of an academic library website Experience with the Central Science Library, University of Delhi
Date
2015
Authors
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Publisher
The Electronic Library
Abstract
Purpose – The paper aims to evaluate the usability of the website of Central Science Library (CSL),
University of Delhi. Multi-method approach of evaluation is used with the use of standard checklist and
questionnaire survey of representative users. Besides, the information architecture of the website under
study is analysed in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review and the author’s experience, a
usability assessment tool for library websites was developed by Pant (2013). It comprises standard
checklist and questionnaire for users’ survey. In the present study, this framework was used to assess
the usability of CSL website. The questionnaire survey of 35 representative users was conducted
through random sampling. The results of both methods (standard checklist and questionnaire survey)
were analysed for evaluating the website usability.
Findings – Need for improvement of the website was realised in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and
learnability for better usability. Notice board, site search facility, list of services, FAQs and user guides
were the most sought after features among others as per the analysis of the questionnaire survey.
Besides, the need to enhance the visual appeal of the website was felt. However, information resources
provided through the CSL website were found useful for users.
Originality/value – The paper presents an innovative multi-method approach of website usability
assessment while considering six usability attributes: Usefulness, Efficiency, Effectiveness,
Learnability, Satisfaction and Accessibility. The approach adopted in this paper is cost effective in
comparison to formal usability tests and heuristic evaluation. Therefore, this framework is suitable for
libraries having limited budget to ensure the user-centred library website with maximum usability.
This paper encourages other libraries to conduct similar website usability evaluation to identify the
usability problem areas and users’ perception for their respective website.
Description
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Keywords
User studies, Academic libraries, Usability evaluation
Citation
Ankur Pant, (2015) "Usability evaluation of an academic library website: Experience with the Central Science Library, University of Delhi", The Electronic Library, Vol. 33 Issue: 5, pp.896-915, https:// doi.org/10.1108/EL-04-2014-0067