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Deakin University Library website 2.0: iterative change for maximum gain. Sue Owen Associate Librarian, Client Services Deakin University Library sowen@deakin.edu.au. Kat Clancy Web Developer Deakin University Library katc@deakin.edu.au. VALA2008: Libraries / Changing spaces, Virtual places
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Deakin University Library website 2.0: iterative change for maximum gain Sue Owen Associate Librarian, Client Services Deakin University Library sowen@deakin.edu.au Kat Clancy Web DeveloperDeakin University Librarykatc@deakin.edu.au VALA2008: Libraries / Changing spaces, Virtual places Melbourne, 5-7 February, 2008
Our Task: Redevelop the Deakin University Library website Phase 1: Homepage + Catalogue Jul 06 - Jan 07Phase 2: Complete site Feb 07 - Dec 07
Simple aims... improve access to information and services online introduce a new look and feel Approach ... users ways: talk, think and do (Kupersmith, Krug)
Message, loud and clear... Search engines are it… Search engines are it…. Get noticed, get like Google or die…
Research Underpinnings.... Krug - Don't make me think! Be smart - use conventions ("creative" not clever) Keep noise down to a dull roar Usability testing is vital - at realistic levels Brookfield - Reflective practice Critical reflection through four lenses: self-reflection by project team research literature colleagues community - staff and students
Methodology a) Content Inventory (project team) every link down 2 levels - very time consuming b) Card sorting test (users)60 topic areas to sort into logical groups c) Paper / whiteboard prototyping (project team)easy to produce - easy to change d) User testing and review cycles (all user groups)Users undertake typical website tasks Project team: leader, observer, two 'engine drivers'
Phase 1 Feedback Focus Groups and informal feedback Webpac – positive Library homepage: positive about unit materials search box database drop-down options design layout - less noise
Feedbackfor Phase 2 still needed work provide search field options Google = browse for unknown Library catalogue = search known item 'remember' search field from previous search less library jargon left links not being utilised Jul 07 new University template - visuals and navigation much improved
During Phase 2 The Journey takes a turn... our users - books still important > Encore option Head, A- First steps in research > find recommended sources New Web Developer Learning2.0 (23 things) - web literacy levels increase users’ space – be in their workflow (Dempsey) users' ways – Web2.0
Why facebook? What are our users using? Intruding in their space? Keep personal and work separate? Different way of delivering the same service All about choice
Considering the future... Help via a blog Internal Newsletter as a blog iGoogle gadget
Future journey… Agile and Iterative Change. How soon will facebook be 'so yesterday' ?? At first, simple aims. Then truly Web2.0 engaged. Now in the users' space, a place we'd never anticipated. Website redevelopment is a continuous journey. Iterative = Effective results!!
There's no Big Bubble The journey = iterative bubblets! Tech Bubble Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3qPRAAnOg
Questions The audio for this presentation will be available at http://www.deakin.edu.au/library/media/from Friday 8th November The presentation is available at http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dcm7jxv8_54v53gsfgk
References Dempsey, L. (2007). Networkflows: a couple of pointers, viewed 14 September 2007, http://orweblog.oclc.org/archives/001401.html Head, A. J. (2007). "Beyond Google: How do students conduct academic research?" First Monday12,(8), viewed 14 September 2007, <http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue12_8/head/index.html> Head, A. J. (2007). How Do Humanities and Social Science Majors Conduct Course-Related Research?, viewed 14 September, 2007, <http://library.stmarys-ca.edu/features/SMCInfoLit.pdf>. Krug, S. (2006). Don't Make Me Think! : A Common Sense Approach To Web Usability. Berkeley, Calif., New Riders Publishing. Kupersmith, J. (2007). Library terms that users understand, viewed 14 September 2007, <http://www.jkup.net/terms.html>