bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning and teaching 24/7: daily internet usage patterns at nine Australian universities
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H.R. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to look at the usage of the internet by students, academics and university administrators as part of their normal working day. It investigates whether access to computer facilities and the mode of study have any influence, or whether other factors need to be considered when providing services.Design/methodology/approachTo assess this, the paper considers the diurnal nature of general internet usage in Australia, addresses the daily average internet use at various Australian universities, and considers how much the usage profile says about the student profile and student study habits.FindingsWeb usage is high at the start of the work day and then peaks at the end of the work period, with another slight peak by 7 p.m., presumably after the dinner period, representing those who come on‐line in the evening.Originality/valueThe analysis of the proxy usage of nine Australian universities has shown that the vast majority of usage in the Victorian and South Australian universities in the sample is limited to office hours with 81 per cent of all usage occurring during the standard working hours and flexi‐time period between 08:00 and 18:00 (72 per cent between 09:00 and 17:00).
Electronic resource usage statistics: the challenge and the promise
Authors: Medeiros Norm 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the challenge and promise of electronic resource usage statistics.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses the ways in which libraries could take better advantage of usage statistics with the help of systems.FindingsProvides a brief description of a grassroots effort to develop a decision support system for electronic resources.Originality/valueProvides insight into the challenges and potential uses of electronic resource usage statistics.
Website redesign and testing with a usability consultant: lessons learned
Authors: Tolliver Robert L. , Carter David S. , Chapman Suzanne E. , Edwards Phillip M. , Fisher Jeanie E. , Haines Annette L. , Krolikowski Lana E. , Price Rebecca M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this case study is to present one library's experiences consulting with a usability expert during the design and implementation phases of a new academic library website and the lessons learned during the process.Design/methodology/approachThe library staff worked with the consultant so that he understood the work of the librarians and goals for the website. Together the consultant and library staff developed a series of tests to measure the usability of the site. The librarians implemented the tests, gradually taking the leadership role in the process.FindingsThe study confirms the value of usability testing as a tool to bring to light some of the ambiguities and complexities of a library website for users. The study demonstrates that librarians have developed an expertise and knowledge base that transfers well to the evaluation of websites and online resources. The experience of the University of Michigan AAE Library reveals that usability testing should be an ongoing exercise so that the website remains relevant to the users.Practical implicationsThis study advises librarians of the value of testing and that, on the one hand, test results confirm what one imagines about the users' experiences, but on the other hand they reveal the unexpected strategies and understandings of the users.Originality/valueThis case study provides a useful example of the value of working with a usability expert, a discussion of what to expect during the process, and advice about the role of the librarian in such an endeavor.
Usability analysis of Northern Illinois University Libraries' website: a case study
Authors: VandeCreek Leanne M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo describe the process and present the findings of a usability assessment of the Northern Illinois University Libraries' website.Design/methodology/approachAfter significant planning, Northern Illinois University Libraries conducted a usability analysis using a trilateral approach: usability testing, focus group sessions, and survey questionnaires.FindingsQuantitative and qualitative data are presented and discussed. Quantitative data does not adequately reflect what the test moderators and recorders observed during test sessions. Thus, qualitative data prove to be more valuable. Results were used to redesign the library's website.Research limitations/implicationsQuestionnaire return rate was extremely low, and therefore these results could not be compared with the results of the other two data collection methods.Practical implicationsThe detailed methodology section can provide guidance for other libraries considering performing usability test analyses.Originality/valueThis study utilized a unique combination of usability testing, focus group, and survey questionnaire data collection methods to solicit feedback from users. Discussion of the results leads to a new and important question for future research: what can usability testing reveal about patrons' level of information literacy skills?
Library homepage design at medium‐sized universities
Authors: Harpel‐Burke Pamela 
Published: January 2007

PurposeWebsite design guidelines which have proven effective throughout the commercial sector could be adapted for library homepage design. Acceptance of industry standards for homepage usability, specifically Nielsen and Tahir's criteria, would give library users recognizable features and increase their confidence and comfort levels when using library websites. The paper aims to present a comparison of library homepages with these criteria to provide an assessment of how libraries fare in comparison with the commercial sector.Design/methodology/approachLittle research has been undertaken to evaluate the appeal and efficacy of homepages of libraries associated with medium‐sized universities, which have different audiences than do larger universities. The dataset of 80 academic libraries associated with medium‐sized universities (8,000‐13,000 students) was compiled with data from the National Center for Education Statistics and Peterson's College Bound. Data on 14 variables derived from Nielsen and Tahir were examined on these 80 library homepages. Variables are grouped into four categories: search, navigation, design, and general features.FindingsBased on Nielsen and Tahir's criteria, library homepages fared well in comparison to business homepages. Statistical analysis of the findings revealed that library homepage designs were significantly different from businesses for only four variables: the ability to search the website, the use of a search box or a link, the use of animation, and a change of link colors to indicate viewed links. A greater amount of business homepages used a search box as opposed to a search link. Fewer libraries facilitated navigation by creating links that changed color after use. Library homepages generally had fast download times, and avoided animations and automatic music.Research limitationsA comprehensive review of all of Nielsen and Tahir's design characteristics for homepage usability cannot be fully considered in a study of this size.Originality/valueInformation‐seeking behaviors of college students and internet users within this age range suggest that design conventions established on the web and tested by usability experts may provide a framework for effective library homepage design.
Content matters: analysis of a website redesign
Authors: Shelstad Mark 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo examine the redesign of an academic archive and manuscript repository's fourth‐generation website.Design/methodology/approachA review of the process used by a task force to revamp a website, including determining the goals of the site, its main features, audiences, vendor and software selection, relationship to the parent institution's design guidelines, and user testing results.FindingsOnly with the cooperative effort of staff, interested outside parties, and users will web redesigns be worthwhile efforts that translate into sites with depth and meaning.Originality/valueArticle provides background information and analysis of a series of website redesigns.
Digital image library development in academic environment: designing and testing usability
Authors: Roda Claudia , Murphy Borel Ann , Gentchev Eugeni , Thomas Julie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeBy reporting the experience gained in the development of a digital image library in the academic environment, this paper aims at providing perspective developers with insights on the main usability issues raised by this type of project.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses three common needs in academia with respect to image collections: preservation, access, and reuse. In the framework of the specific project experience, it discusses how usability issues have been tackled at design time, highlights the usability problems revealed by tests on the first implemented prototype, and advances proposals on how these problems may be addressed.FindingsTeam formation and high turn‐over impact usability design; collection management functionalities effect final product usability; usability and resource reuse levels are severely reduced if the services are limited to those of classic digital libraries.Research limitations/implicationsAll usability issues are discussed with respect to the specific project characterized by a small, in‐house development team with high turn‐over; a participatory design approach; a fairly small, accessible, and heterogeneous user (and stakeholder) population; very limited financial resources but also limited time constraints.Practical implicationsA usability guide for future developers of digital image libraries in academia.Originality/valueAddressing usability issues related specifically to the design of digital image libraries rather than text‐based digital libraries. Addressing the objectives of image reuse and of widespread adoption. Discussing usability design by a team of students with heterogeneous background in academic environment.
Usability of digital libraries
Authors: Mara Ferreira Sueli , Nunes Pithan Denise 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe conception, planning and implementation of digital libraries, in any area of knowledge, demand innumerable studies in order to verify and guarantee their adequacy to the users' necessities. Such studies find methodological, conceptual and theoretical support in some areas of knowledge, such as human‐computer‐interaction (HCI) (usability studies, in particular) and information science (IS) (especially studies about users' necessities and behavior in information search and use). This research, therefore, intends to integrate concepts and techniques from these two areas, that is, to analyze the usability of the InfoHab digital library, having as theoretical base the constructivist model of user study proposed by Carol Kuhlthau and the criteria of usability established by Jacob Nielsen.Design/methodology/approachIn order to do so, a qualitative study with six users with different levels of academic formation and experience in the use of recovery systems was developed. Data were collected through personal interviews, prototype of the library, direct observation, image and sound records. The variables of this study included the following criteria: learnability, efficiency and effectiveness of the digital library, management of errors, memorability and the user's satisfaction from the perspective of cognitive and affective aspects and the actions taken by the users during the information search process.FindingsThe aspects identified in the collected data are discussed and the results are evidence of the possible synergy between the HCI and IS fields.Originality/valueThe authors expect to contribute conceptually for a discussion about a model of usability study that can be more inclusive and incorporate the aspects pointed by the constructivist model.
The flight plan of a digital initiatives project, part 2
Authors: Long Holley , Lage Kathryn , Cronin Christopher 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo provide the results of research to evaluate the usability of a University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries digital initiatives project that provides online access to historical Aerial Photographs of Colorado.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes usability testing conducted as a part of a user‐centered redesign. The three stages of the evaluation – a requirements analysis, a heuristic evaluation, and user testing – are explained and the findings are discussed.FindingsThe usability testing revealed the needs of the project's target user group and identified issues with the interface that will be addressed in its redesign. It has also contributed to the larger understanding of how researchers use digital Aerial Photographs and their preferred methods of access and desired functionalities.Practical implicationsResults from the study will be used to guide the redesign of the Aerial Photographs of Colorado digital library and can be generalized to add to a broader understanding of the usability requirements for a digital library of geospatial materials. Libraries providing a digital collection of geospatial materials may use these findings to inform design decisions.Originality/valueMuch research has been done on the use and evaluation of digital libraries, but few articles have reported on usability studies of online collections of cartographic materials similar in structure to Aerial Photographs of Colorado. It is hoped that these findings will be instructive to librarians designing and evaluating similar digital libraries.
Accommodating consortia within electronic resource management systems
Authors: Medeiros Norm 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis article aims to identify areas where the ERMI specifications should extend to accommodate library consortia.Design/methodology/approachThe article notes current ERMI field definitions and their limitations vis‐à‐vis libraries wishing to share an electronic resource management system (ERMS).FindingsThe article makes clear the reasons for the proposed ERMI extensions, and provides a means of effecting the extensions.Originality/valueReaders interested in purchasing an ERMS as part of a library group will be familiarized with potential pitfalls to their implementation.
In our cages with golden bars
Authors: Frumkin Jeremy 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to postulates on the current limitations of digital libraries, and what digital libraries might be if librarians and digital library developers thought about digital libraries differently.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is in the form of an experiential commentary.FindingsThe paper finds that libraries should be more accepting of change and embrace the digital world.Originality/valueThis paper seeks to move the thinking about the future of digital libraries beyond its current scope. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.
Project risk management
Authors: Cervone H. Frank 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this article is to develop an understanding of the issues related to risk management in digital library projects as well as techniques for mitigating risk in these projects.Design/methodology/approachUsing evidence from other research in the area, this article outlines the major risk issues within a project and then defines a model for mitigating risk within a project.FindingsThe article finds that understanding the risk management entails understanding the underlying factors that contribute to project risks. These risks are often the same, regardless of the nature of the project. The first step in risk assessment is risk identification. Once risk identification is complete, risk analysis is used to identify the likelihood the risks that have been identified will happen. While there are several formal methods that can be used for risk analysis, many project managers use some type of matrix‐based decision process for analyzing and evaluating project risk. The most successful project managers maintain open lines of communication throughout their organizations to stay in touch with constituent's needs.Originality/valueThis article fills a gap in the digital project management literature by helping project managers understand the issues related to project risk and how to avoid them, thereby insuring greater probability their project will come to a successful and satisfying conclusion.
Collaborative approaches to designing effective digital image databases for the study of three‐dimensional museum collections
Authors: Trzeciak Jeff , McCann Shawn , Martin Matthew 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis technical paper aims to define the steps necessary to create an effective two‐dimensional image databases representing three‐dimensional museum objects for the purpose of instruction.Design/methodology/approachThe participating institutions reviewed six key types of services: finding content, collecting content, accessing content, documentation, accessibility, and access control. The project created, converted, described and transferred digitized images and data records from each partner to the web where they became universally accessible through a single common search interface.FindingsThe paper finds that collaboration between different institutions creates rich collections, and relationships that benefit the community.Research limitations/implicationsCapturing elements of three‐dimensional objects in a traditionally two‐dimensional medium provides unique challenges for web delivery.Practical implicationsProvides learning materials and access to objects that were once locked in storage and rarely exhibited, especially fragile and delicate objects. Also provides an environment for students to learn how to work professionally they would not acquire in the classroom.Originality/valueNew techniques in digitization were used and experimented with that are not widely used with these type of collections.
Towards user‐centered indexing in digital image collections
Authors: Matusiak Krystyna K. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeUser‐created metadata, often referred to as folksonomy or social classification, has received a considerable amount of attention in the digital library world. Social tagging is perceived as a tool for enhancing description of digital objects and providing a venue for user input and greater user engagement. This article seeks to examine the pros and cons of user‐generated metadata in the context of digital image collections and compares it to professionally created metadata schema and controlled vocabulary tools.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides an overview of challenges to concept‐based image indexing. It analyzes the characteristics of social classification and compares images described by users to a set of images indexed in a digital collection.FindingsThe article finds that user‐generated metadata vary in the level of description, accuracy, and consistency and do not provide a solution to the challenges of image indexing. On the other hand, they reflects user's language and can lead toward user‐centered indexing and greater user engagement.Practical implicationsSocial tagging can be implemented as a supplement to professionally created metadata records to provide an opportunity for users to comment on images.Originality/valueThe article introduces the idea of user‐centered image indexing in digital collections.
Web page prediction from metasearch results
Authors: Chen Lin‐Chih , Luh Cheng‐Jye 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis study aims to present a new web page recommendation system that can help users to reduce navigational time on the internet.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed design is based on the primacy effect of browsing behavior, that users prefer top ranking items in search results. This approach is intuitive and requires no training data at all.FindingsA user study showed that users are more satisfied with the proposed search methods than with general search engines using hot keywords. Moreover, two performance measures confirmed that the proposed search methods out‐perform other metasearch and search engines.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has limitations and future work is planned along several directions. First, the search methods implemented are primarily based on the keyword match between the contents of web pages and the user query items. Using the semantic web to recommend concepts and items relevant to the user query might be very helpful in finding the exact contents that users want, particularly when the users do not have enough knowledge about the domains in which they are searching. Second, offering a mechanism that groups search results to improve the way search results are segmented and displayed also assists users to locate the contents they need. Finally, more user feedback is needed to fine‐tune the search parameters includingαandβto improve the performance.Practical implicationsThe proposed model can be used to improve the search performance of any search engine.Originality/valueFirst, compared with the democratic voting procedure used by metasearch engines, search engine vector voting (SVV) enables a specific combination of search parameters, denoted asαandβ, to be applied to a voted search engine, so that users can either narrow or expand their search results to meet their search preferences. Second, unlike page quality analysis, the hyperlink prediction (HLP) determines qualified pages by simply measuring their user behavior function (UBF) values, and thus takes less computing power. Finally, the advantages of HLP over statistical analysis are that it does not need training data, and it can target both multi‐site and site‐specific analysis.
Integrated strategy of industrial product suppliers
Authors: Johnson Mark A. , Johnson Dana M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe primary purpose was to learn about different variables of an integrated strategy associated with choosing to supply through business‐to‐business (B2B) intermediaries and apply the variables to a series of cases.Design/methodology/approachA literature review served as a basis to develop an integrated model. A combination of primary and secondary research was conducted to apply the concepts of the model to different internet trading exchanges.FindingsEach trade exchange offers a different set of customers and suppliers vying for business opportunities. There are no common platforms for software and hardware. If a small company is interested in trading through an internet exchange, they want to select based on the variables identified that best meet their needs and integrate with their business strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus was on industrial products and may not be applicable to consumer products.Practical implicationsSuppliers must carefully operate in the future by evaluating each customer and determining which trade exchanges will provide them with the greatest benefit at the lowest cost. The infrastructure investment is an unavoidable cost that cannot be forgone unless the supplier wants to discontinue providing to most of its customers. The supplier needs to look at all aspects identified in the integrated business model and the foundation and facilitation for success lie in the information management of the entire entity.Originality/valueThis paper takes the existing body of knowledge and applies it to the development of an integrated e‐business model for industrial suppliers used to compare different internet trading exchanges.