Ask UCD
Don’t forget to drop us a line at libraryconnect@elsevier.com with your usability questions. Chris Jasek from our User Centered Design Group will answer them for you.
LC: Given that some library administrators are telling employees to take e-mail addresses off Web pages to avoid spam, what would you advise with regard to the provision of staff and faculty contact information, including e-mail addresses, on library Web pages?
Jasek: Obviously, providing contact information is extremely important. Users need to know who to contact if they have a question or problem. An alternative to providing “mailto” links is to provide a form that users can complete. When the form is submitted an e-mail is sent to the appropriate party behind the scenes by using a script. Keep the form very simple by only asking for the user's name, e-mail address, subject and question or problem.
The form approach isn't as usable as a standard e-mail link, but it may help reduce spam. You might want to read about additional strategies to help reduce spam at www.wilsonweb.com/wmt8/spambot_hiding.htm. However, do be aware that all of these approaches have usability drawbacks and make it more difficult for users to contact you. 
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