Forskares och studenters användning av LUBsearch: En studie i användning av och användbarhet hos ett discoverysystem
Author
Summary, in English
This report presents the results of a user study regarding the discovery tool used at Lund University, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), locally in Lund called LUBsearch. The aim of the study was to gather data from real users to use as a foundation for evidence based development.
The study focused on aspects of usability, user satisfaction and usage. The two main methods used in the study were user test and user web survey. System statistics were extracted to complement the data obtained.
Both the user test and the user survey targeted the two main system user groups: students and researchers. Stratified random sampling of the web survey respondents ensured an accurate
reflection of how Lund University users are distributed throughout the faculties. When choosing participants for the user test, efforts were made to ensure variety both in academic level and discipline affiliation.
Main findings:
• LUBsearch is used both by students and researchers and should therefore be regarded as a tool equally important for both user groups.
• Some user interface usability problems were highlighted such as the placing, naming and design of particular links, along with other functions.
• Users are generally satisfied with search results. When asked specifically about the effort in relation to the reward, respondents mainly expressed satisfaction.
• Linking and access to full text are pivotal to users, and in the survey result it became clear that although user’s basic expectations are being met, we need to strive to improve linking.
• Structured user training with systematic progression has noticeable impact both on the level of usage and on user satisfaction.
The study findings will be incorporated in an action plan for further development of LUBsearch, focusing on improving linking, addressing interface usability problems and developing end user information material. In conclusion, we also stress the need for continued user studies as well as developing visions and adopting strategies for system development.
The study focused on aspects of usability, user satisfaction and usage. The two main methods used in the study were user test and user web survey. System statistics were extracted to complement the data obtained.
Both the user test and the user survey targeted the two main system user groups: students and researchers. Stratified random sampling of the web survey respondents ensured an accurate
reflection of how Lund University users are distributed throughout the faculties. When choosing participants for the user test, efforts were made to ensure variety both in academic level and discipline affiliation.
Main findings:
• LUBsearch is used both by students and researchers and should therefore be regarded as a tool equally important for both user groups.
• Some user interface usability problems were highlighted such as the placing, naming and design of particular links, along with other functions.
• Users are generally satisfied with search results. When asked specifically about the effort in relation to the reward, respondents mainly expressed satisfaction.
• Linking and access to full text are pivotal to users, and in the survey result it became clear that although user’s basic expectations are being met, we need to strive to improve linking.
• Structured user training with systematic progression has noticeable impact both on the level of usage and on user satisfaction.
The study findings will be incorporated in an action plan for further development of LUBsearch, focusing on improving linking, addressing interface usability problems and developing end user information material. In conclusion, we also stress the need for continued user studies as well as developing visions and adopting strategies for system development.
Department/s
Publishing year
2014
Language
Swedish
Full text
Document type
Report
Publisher
Universitetsbiblioteket, Lunds universitet
Topic
- Information Studies
Keywords
- LUBsearch
- användarstudie
- användbarhetsundersökning
- användning
- discoverysystem
- user study
- usability
- discovery tool
- forskare
- studenter
- researchers
- students
Status
Published