Elsevier Library Connect Newsletter: Chris Jasek on Usability

Volume 4 • Number 2
April 2006 • ISSN: 1549-3725
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Welcome

Introduction from Philippe Terheggen

Features

So Far, So Good: Value-adding Services “Down Under”

Taking a Proactive Approach and Encouraging Faculty to Publish

The Value of Publishers

Place and Space

The Future of the Library as Place and the Role of the Librarian

Community Connections

MDL Learning Centers Deliver Customer-focused Training

Spread the Word! Free Tutorials and Trainings on Elsevier Products

Center of Attention

Five Quick Questions with Ibrahima Bob

Librarians Speak Up: How is your library adding value to content?

Behind the Scenes

Product Development: The Subtle Art of Listening

A Librarian’s Thoughts on the Scopus Citation Tracker

Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board

A Month in the Life of an Elsevier Journal Manager

ScienceDirect Memories and Trivia

On the Road

On the Road in Australia, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Taiwan, the UK and the USA

Staying Connected

Full Moon: Study-enhancing Melodies

Ask UCD: How can I assess the usability of a product our library is purchasing?

Are You Interested in LIS Publishing?

Make Your Voice Heard at SLA

Innovative Library Access Grants Available

Upcoming Events

Editorial Team

Chris Jasek of Elsevier’s User Centered Design Group answers your usability questions.

Ask UCD: How can I assess the usability of a product our library is purchasing?

A: Many factors come into play when purchasing a sizeable software product: its features, integration with other systems, cost, support and compliance with standards — just to name a few. The usability of software you are considering plays into your purchasing decision as well.

Purchasing a product with poor usability can be costly. If the new product is difficult to learn, users may never use it. Worse yet, poor usability can cause users to waste time performing routine tasks and lead to a lot of frustration. In addition to poor productivity there is also the cost of internal resources needed to support and assist users.

These suggestions can help you avoid purchasing software with poor usability:

Let the vendor know usability is important to your decision.
Determine if the vendor’s company has a usability group, how large it is and how long it has been in existence.
Ask if a product was usability tested while in development.

Find More Usability Tips Here

Two Library Connect practical assistance pamphlets offer usability guidance for libraries.

How to Design Library Web Sites to Maximize Usability, published in 2004, was written by usability expert Chris Jasek and presents a short set of simple-to-implement guidelines.

15 Ways to Promote Effective Use of Online Resources, published in 2003, presents best practices identified during a study conducted by Elsevier. The study examined factors associated with e-resources receiving high usage.

Screenshots of library websites accompany tips in both pamphlets. Both also list additional resources to consult for further usability advice.

Printed copies of Library Connect pamphlets and the Library Connect Newsletter are available as long as supplies last, and may prove useful for LIS classes or library staff meetings. To request printed copies drop a line to libraryconnect@elsevier.com.

All Library Connect publications are freely available in PDF at www.elsevier.com/libraryconnect.