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Library Website Usability Study

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In April 2021, the UX Team tested the usability of the library website 1 year after launch of the new site.

Research questions

  • Can users complete the usability tasks?
  • Are there navigation pain points?
  • Are there terminology pain points?

Methods

  • We conducted usability tests remotely over Teams.

  • 19 students participated.

What did we learn?

  • Most users indicated they Google information rather than navigate the website

  • We found some consistent pain points, particularly around requesting items in Omni and using the archives request form.

  • This study reinforced the importance of making webpages easy to skim and scan.

Recommendations

  • Even though users prefer search over navigation, the navigation menus should be maintained so they are easily browsable (short list) and use specific terms rather than broad categories. 

  • Make it easier to find the request item link in Omni.

  • Make it easier to request items from the Archives. 

  • In a future project, review the organization of the homepage to maximize discovery of workshops and new collections.

Year of Study

2021

The library is committed to ensuring that members of our user community with disabilities have equal access to our services and resources and that their dignity and independence is always respected. If you encounter a barrier and/or need an alternate format, please fill out our Library Print and Multimedia Alternate-Format Request Form. Contact us if you’d like to provide feedback: lib.a11y@uoguelph.ca