Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Deakin University Library website 2.0: iterative change for maximum gain
Sue OwenAssociate Librarian, Client ServicesDeakin University [email protected]
Kat ClancyWeb DeveloperDeakin University [email protected]
VALA2008: Libraries / Changing spaces, Virtual placesMelbourne, 5-7 February, 2008
>Our journey...
Our Task: Redevelop the Deakin University Library website
Phase 1: Homepage + Catalogue Jul 06 - Jan 07
Phase 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'
Paper prototype 1
Whiteboard prototype 2
Whiteboard prototype 3
Whiteboard prototype 4
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
Feedback for 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
The new Deakin
The new Deakin Library
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
Phase 2:
June 2007 - Now
O-Week Vodcast
Subject Guides
Libx - Firefox Extension
encore
Instant Messaging
Internal Library Wiki
facebook page
facebook application
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 Monday 12,(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>
