Do, or Do Not, Make Them Think? A Usability Study of an Academic Library Search Box

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This usability study explores whether patrons prefer and are well-served by specialized, format-based searches or simpler, single-box searches, and the implications of these practices and preferences for information literacy. Qualitative data suggest that format-specific searches can confuse and slow down users and single-box searches are often faster and more successful. These findings highlight the potential conflict between user experience (UX) design and traditional conceptualizations of research and library-based search.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)296-310
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Web Librarianship
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • academic libraries
  • information literacy
  • information-seeking behaviors
  • resource discovery tools
  • Usability
  • user experience
  • web design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Library and Information Sciences

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