Usability Study of a Library's Mobile Website: An Example from Portland State University

Authors

  • Kimberly D. Pendell Portland State University
  • Michael S. Bowman Portland State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v31i2.1913

Abstract

To discover how a newly developed library mobile website performed across a variety of devices, the authors used a hybrid field and laboratory methodology to conduct a usability test of the website. Twelve student participants were recruited and selected according to phone type. Results revealed a wide array of errors attributed to site design, wireless network connections, as well as phone hardware and software. This study provides an example methodology for testing library mobile websites, identifies issues associated with mobile websites, and provides recommendations for improving the user experience.

Author Biographies

Kimberly D. Pendell, Portland State University

Kimberly Pendell is the Social Sciences Librarian for Social Work, Psychology and Sociology at Portland State University Library.

Michael S. Bowman, Portland State University

Michael Bowman is Interim Assistant University Librarian for Public Services, Engineering Librarian and Comics Librarian at Portland State University Library

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Published

2012-06-12

How to Cite

Pendell, K. D., & Bowman, M. S. (2012). Usability Study of a Library’s Mobile Website: An Example from Portland State University. Information Technology and Libraries, 31(2), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v31i2.1913

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Articles