Usability Testing for Greater Impact: A Primo Case Study

Joy Marie Perrin; Melanie Clark; Esther De-Leon; Lynne Edgar

doi:10.6017/ital.v33i4.5174

Joy Marie Perrin Texas Tech University
Melanie Clark Texas Tech University
Esther De-Leon Texas Tech University
Lynne Edgar Texas Tech University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v33i4.5174

Abstract

This case study focuses on a usability test conducted by four librarians at Texas Tech University. Eight students were asked to complete a series of tasks using OneSearch, the TTU Libraries’ implementation of the Primo discovery tool. Based on the test, the team identified three major usability problems, as well as potential solutions. These problems typify the difficulties patrons face while using library search tools, but have a variety of simple solutions.

Author Biographies

Joy Marie Perrin, Texas Tech University

Joy Perrin is an Assistant Librarian who works in the Digital Resources Unit of the Texas Tech Library.

Melanie Clark, Texas Tech University

Melanie Clark is an Assistant Librarian for The Architecture Library at Texas Tech University Library.

Esther De-Leon, Texas Tech University

Esther De Leon is an Assistant Librarian for Electronic Resources in the Collections & Development Unit at Texas Tech University Library.

Lynne Edgar, Texas Tech University

Lynne Edgar is an Assistant Librarian who works in the Library Systems Office of the Texas Tech University Library.

References

Sauro, J. (2011, February 2). Measuring Usability with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Retrieved March 19, 2014, from Measuring Usability: Quantitative Usability, Statistics & Six Sigma by Jeff Sauro: http://www.measuringusability.com/sus.php

Still, B., & Betz, M. (2011). A Study Guide for the Certified User Experience Professional (CUEP) Workshop. Lubbock: Texas Tech University.