Jenny Craven

Putting awareness into practice: practical steps for conducting usability tests

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describes the methods and findings of two research projects undertaken to explore user behaviour and usability issues relating to the use of Web‐based resources by people with disabilities.Design/methodology/approach – Whilst the aims of the research differed, the methods adopted were similar – including observation, talk aloud protocols, questionnaires and focus groups.Findings – The findings from both studies provided evidence of the problems faced by disabled users when using Web‐based resources. It provided evidence of the types of features users liked and disliked, how they overcame navigational problems and what types of features enhanced their experience, all of which can be fed back into recommendations for the design of electronic resources.Practical implications – The richness of the data collected for both studies confirmed the importance of involving users in accessibility and usability assessments. Analysis of both the findings and the methods for bot...

Changing libraries: the impact of national policy on UK library services

Libraries and information services are not static entities impervious to outside influences but are dynamic and may be affected by one, or a number of factors. Changes in policy, for example, may impact on library and information science and to illustrate this, three key areas have been selected. These are: the establishment of a computer network in the public library sector, the promotion of a culture of lifelong learning and the development of the hybrid library. These areas, although separate, can also be seen to be interrelated and factors which affect one sector may also impact on others. This paper considers how political, social and economic factors can be major drivers of change and thus impact on the profile of libraries so that they are recognised as a valuable resource by Government and other groups such as businesses, voluntary organisations and educational providers.

A task‐based approach to assessing the accessibility of web sites

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe research undertaken for the European Internet Accessibility Observatory (EIAO) project. It aims to demonstrate how, using a task‐based approach, statistical measures can be applied to an initial assessment of a web sites accessibility, which could then be applied to further assessments to provide an evolving picture of the ongoing accessibility of a web site. Design/methodology/approach – Task‐based assessments were used to assess the accessibility of web sites, using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The findings from this approach were mapped onto a probabilistic model, developed to assess the probability of an accessibility barrier relating to a specific feature or features of a web site. Findings – The paper finds that providing participants with a task instead of allowing them to randomly explore and evaluate a web site yielded more comparable results. For the EIAO project team, the benefit of the task‐based approach was that it allowed them to compare the user testing results with the results of the automated testing tool developed by the project. From the aggregation models included in the analysis, the most appropriate model and parameters were selected, and adjustments were made according to the comparison outcome. Research limitations/implications – Due to resource limitations and efficiency requirements, the assessments undertaken were limited to automatic evaluation, which could also be tested by the users. Therefore not all accessibility barriers in a web site could be identified. Despite this, it is felt that the outcome of the automatic analysis can be utilised as indicator for the overall accessibility of the web site. Originality/value – This paper provides a framework for web designers, commissioners, and policy makers to undertake a user focussed assessment of the accessibility of their web sites, which could be used in conjunction with other assessment methods.

Evaluating the longitudinal impact of networked services in UK public libraries: the Longitude II project

The aim of the Longitude II project is to design and produce a web‐based toolkit which can be adopted by all UK public library authorities to evaluate the longitudinal impact of their IT‐based services to end users. The seminar presentation at the PM5 conference will explain the genesis of the project, describe the research activity to date, give an analysis of interim results and explain how the project will progress. The enormous increase in IT‐based services provided by UK public libraries, supported by major national policies and by significant funding streams, is undoubtedly having an impact on end‐users. However, systematic assessment of that impact is by no means straightforward, and a number of studies have been undertaken to try to elucidate significant impact indicators. The Longitude II project, undertaken by CERLIM, will not only provide a toolkit of techniques to enable impact to be assessed, but carry out longitudinal assessment so that changes over time can be measured.

BEYOND USABILITY: THE STUDY OF FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 2.0 ONLINE CATALOGUE (OPAC)

A usability test of Copac was carried out to inform developments in both its usability and functionality. Participants were assigned tasks, using specific system features, and their actions and thoughts were collected through think aloud to reveal potential issues with the system. Retrospective thinking and subsequent reflection were gathered in a focus group to provide greater insight into perceived functionality (current and potential) of the system. The study demonstrated the importance of the application of usability principles in the interface design. Many of the issues associated with search, records display, and use of specific features related to the attributes of ease of use, appearance, navigation, and terminology and provided the evidence base for re-design. The study also highlighted the importance of the users’ perceptions and expectations of functionality in the specific usage contexts. Continued user testing is recommended to inform further development of functionality in the broader contexts of information use to ensure the value and use of the system features are evident in the system design and meet the expectations of its users.

Education and training for accessible web design

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the web_access project, funded through the EC Lifelong Learning Programme. The paper aims to provide a context for the proposed study programme and describe current work in the development of the curriculum and content.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis has been undertaken of the state of the art in education and training for accessible web design in the English language, starting with the national situation in the UK and then further‐a‐field by highlighting international resources. The main outcome of the two‐year multilateral, multi‐partner project is to develop a joint study programme in accessible web design.Findings – While there is evidence of the inclusion of design for all in ICT teaching, as well as the provision of free and commercial tutorials and workshops, analysis has found provision to be fragmented and none to date has been identified as leading to a professional qualification or certificate in accessible web design that is recognised...

Linear Searching in a Non-linear Environment: The Information Seeking Behaviour of Visually Impaired People on the World Wide Web

The information seeking behaviour of visually impaired people was explored in the Non-visual Access to the Digital Library (NoVA) (1) project, undertaken by the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM). The aim of the study was to develop further understanding of user behaviour, with particular reference to people who needed to use assistive technology in order to ‘read’ or interact with web sites. The findings of the two-year study revealed potential barriers to access, identified from observations of how assistive technologies such as screen readers can force users to search or navigate in a way that is not necessarily reflected in the design of the web page. Recommendations have been made regarding the provision of practical usability guidelines, access to technology, training in the use of assistive technologies, and the importance of universal design.

Accessibility: Education for Web Design and E-Learning Introduction to the Special Thematic Session

There is a clear role for accessibility assessment tools, standards and guidelines to help web designers, application developers and those who use and support web-based services. However, some aspects of web accessibility cannot be objectively tested by automated tools or by simple adherence to standards and guidelines. The application of expert judgment is required and thus accessibility needs to be addressed through more formal education and training. Programmes exist which advocate, and raise the profile of accessibility but most of these are only offered locally, with widely differing scope and complexity. There is a lack of a common European or even international curriculum in the vital area of education and training for web accessibility and design. Therefore, this Special Thematic Session will bring together stakeholders such as educators, e-Learning providers, and researchers to share their knowledge and expertise.