The document discusses enhancing the usability of libraries through an evidence-based approach. It defines usability as being easy to use, useful, and pleasant to use. There are three types of librarianship discussed - "lollipop librarianship" which focuses only on what patrons want, "broccoli librarianship" which focuses only on what is good for patrons, and evidence-based librarianship which seeks to integrate user needs, practitioner experience, and research evidence. The document advocates applying an evidence-based practice approach to evaluate and improve the usability of library services and resources.
8. A usable library is easily located and accessible http://www.johnstanley.cc/
9. Stanley, J & L. 2004. Think for your customer . Lizardpublishing.biz: Kalamunda, WA. All faded, ripped signs are removed All signage is relevant to today All lights are working All displays re-stocked All clutter removed from counter All staff wearing name badges Windows, doors, floors clean & all litter removed Time on clock is correct Velcro, Blu-Tack and sticky tape removed Brochure holders full of relevant leaflets Out of date material removed from counter Completed (tick √) Daily Checklist
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14. Referrals from Search Engines to Web Sites of 844 Journals Hosted by HighWire Press (June 2005) Steinbrook, R. Searching for the right search – reaching the medical literature. New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354:4-7.
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20. Formulate a Question Usability (as a determiner of effectiveness) Evaluation E Original site Comparison C Site improvements Intervention I Staff and students of the organisation Perspective P Library Services Intranet site Setting S
The topic of my presentation this morning is “Enhancing the Usability of Libraries”. I am going to discuss some theoretical approaches to usability and some practical examples from my own library and other libraries. I hope that you will all be prompted, even inspired, to take a fresh look at the usability of your own libraries and hopefully come away with a few examples you can borrow and adapt. I am also hoping to pick up some ideas from you to take back to my library.
![Usability ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Gould, J.D. and Lewis, C. Designing for usability: key principles and what designers think. Communications of the ACM, 28, 3 (March 1985): 300-311.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)