User-Centred Library Websites

Book excerpt: Targeted at Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, this book concentrates on usability evaluation methods used to design usable and user-centered library websites. Aimed at the practitioner, it is a practical guide to methods that are used to gather information from potential users that shape the design of the website based on an interactive design process. From planning the study to writing the report, this book guides the reader through the process of usability evaluation using examples from the author's experience with usability evaluation of library interfaces. It describes usability techniques, procedures, report writing, and design changes that lead to a user-centered interface. - A concise, practical guide to completing usability evaluation methods with an emphasis on creating user-centered library websites - Includes examples that draw on the author's practical experience with usability evaluation - Useful guidelines to creating participant recruitment letters, scripts, thank you notes, and forms illustrated with practical examples