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usability FIELD testing of e learning San francisco public library website. by Henry Flynn , Lashundra Hill, Janet Prochazka , David Ross & Judy Silver P resentation by Judy Silver. San Francisco Public Library. Main Branch. Objective of Evaluation.
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usability FIELD testing of elearningSan franciscopublic library website by Henry Flynn, LashundraHill, Janet Prochazka, David Ross & Judy Silver Presentation by Judy Silver
San Francisco Public Library Main Branch
Objective of Evaluation To determine if participant could easily navigate the San Francisco Public Library website, specifically find & navigate eLearning. Is there enough information, or guidance, for moderately experienced Internet users to locate eLearning information?
Parameters • Limit research to two eLearning tabs: • Classes at the Library • Language Learning • Rationale: Enough similarities under the 7 areas to make more exploration redundant.
Website Navigational Issues • So many links and choices, User seemed overwhelmed. • When navigating around the 7 links within eLearning, the menu bar on the left of screen changes. • See Figures on left. • Core principle in usability: Assurance of knowing where you are within the website.
Navigating eLearning • Initial eLearning link in eLibrary drop-down menu, not on Library Home Page. • When Users asked to find eLearning from Homepage, most of the time used ‘guess and check’ method. • Returning to eLearning • Users usually had trouble returning to eLearning. • One User kept trying left menu, not eLibrary tab.
Searches for Classes • Titles and descriptions not always clear. • Sometimes not self-evident. • So, Users sometimes had trouble with aspects of Field Trial Task List. • User found linking to outside job boards ‘easy.’ • Subject did not realize graphics under ‘Computer Tutorials & Job Skills’ were links.
Searches for Classes • Subject took 5-10 minutes to find ‘Brain Fitness.’ • User found enrolling in ‘Intermediate Photoshop CS6 ‘very difficult,’ after seeking in vain for about 10 minutes and giving up.
eLearning & Library Card • Users need a library card and account information for many SFPL website interactions, although not told early in process. • Told 3 or 4 steps into website.
Other Library Account Requirements • Trying ‘Ask the Librarian’ called for a Library Card number and an Email reply, discouraging User. • When realizing JobScout was a link, User disappointed it required an account.
RECOMMENDATIONS • Place an eLearning link on the SFPL Homepage. • Keep navigation tools consistent throughout website. • Decide if Mission is to offer as much as possible or to limit according to defined criteria. • Label courses more clearly to identify what is learned through them. • Add prominent ‘Return to eLearning’ link(s) on each eLearning subpage or advice to use back arrow, eLibrary drop-down menu or other means. • Notify Users early if library card will be needed and provide link to card registration, unless residency policy forbids.